About domestic, family & sexual violence
Domestic, family and sexual violence is a violation of human rights and is never acceptable.
Domestic, family and sexual violence is an epidemic in Australia. One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and one in 5 has experienced sexual violence.1 While people of any gender can use and experience violence, domestic, family and sexual violence is disproportionately used by men against women and children. First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, migrants and refugees also disproportionately experience domestic, family and sexual violence.
Domestic, family and sexual violence includes any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering either in public or private. Domestic and family violence is often a pattern of violent behaviour over time. Sexual violence more specifically is any sexual activity that happens where consent is not freely given or obtained, is withdrawn or the person is unable to consent due to their age or other factors.
Domestic, family and sexual violence can include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Social, cultural or spiritual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Technology-facilitated abuse
- Stalking
For more information on domestic and family violence visit 1800 Respect or Break the Cycle.
1800 Respect also has information on sexual violence.
If you or someone you know is:
- in immediate danger, call 000
- experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, contact 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 for support, advice and referrals.
- concerned about their behaviour, contact Don’t Become That Man – 1300 24 34 13 (Mon-Fri, 2pm -7pm) or the Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 (24/7)
- Commonwealth of Australia (2022). National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, https://www.dss.gov.au/system/files/resources/national-plan-end-violence-against-women-and-children-2022-2032.pdf ↩︎