Domestic Violence

Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe can be considered family and domestic violence.

Family and domestic violence isn’t always physical. It can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender or sexual orientation.

It can continue even when you’ve left a violent relationship.

Family and domestic violence is always the fault of the person causing the abuse. It’s never the fault of the person experiencing abusive behaviour.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Personal Safety Survey, 2.2 million Australians have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner and 3.6 million Australians have experienced emotional abuse from a partner.

About 2.2 million Australians have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

• On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.

• 1 in 3 women (30.5%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

• 1 in 5 women (18%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

• 1 in 3 women (31.1%) has experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man they know.

• 1 in 4 women (23%) has experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former intimate partner since age 15.

• 1 in 4 Australian women (23%) has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15.

• 1 in 2 women (53%) has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

• Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.

• Almost 10 women a day are hospitalised for assault injuries perpetrated by a spouse or domestic partner.

Uma Menon Convenor of the Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network said: “Leaving and just before leaving violence can be a dangerous time. It’s important that you make a leaving plan so you are safe.”

The HDVPN has just published a book covering its 30 Years of Action in the Hills (pictured). The umbrella group for support services lists numbers offering help. It also has a book called Charmed & Dangerous which offers information and support for women with violence in the home.

• Emergency 000
• National Counselling Line 1800RESPECT
• Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463
• Accommodation Link2home 1800 152 152
• DV and Sexual Assault Help 1800 200 526
• FACS Helpline 13 21 11
• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
• Mensline 1300 789 978
• Lisa Harnum Foundation 1300 732 848
• The Sanctuary – The Hills Women’s Shelter 02 9680 2653

To contact the HillsDomestic Violence Prevention Network email [email protected]