What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic and family violence occurs in all sections of our community, across all cultures and in all types of relationships (e.g., lesbian, gay, heterosexual). Being abused is NOT a normal part of domestic and/or family life.
Domestic and family violence occurs when someone in an intimate or familial relationship attempts to gain and/or maintain power and control over another through a wide range of abusive behaviours:
- PHYSICAL – e.g. punching, pushing, being injured with objects/weapons.
- VERBAL – e.g. constant put-downs, name calling.
- SEXUAL – e.g. any forced or unwanted sexual contact/activity.
- SOCIAL – e.g. controlling where you go, who you see, what you wear.
- FINANCIAL – e.g. being refused/denied access to money.
- DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – e.g. kicking a hole in the wall, scratching your car.
- PSYCHOLOGICAL – e.g. Behaviour and/or comments to undermine your sense of self.
- HETEROSEXIST CONTROL – e.g. threatening to ‘out’ you to others where you have chosen to come out or feel it is unsafe to do so.
