Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault
Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner or other family member by causing fear or threatening their safety. Domestic and family violence is against the law in Australia. It can include:
- hitting, choking or hurting the family member or partner
- denying essential money to the family member or partner
- isolating the partner from friends and family
- constantly insulting or criticising the partner
- threatening children or pets.
Sexual assault is sexual behaviour directed towards another person without their consent. Sexual assault includes:
- forcing anyone to have sex or perform sexual acts
- forcing anyone to watch pornography
- having sex or performing sexual acts with a child.
In Australia, it is against the law to sexually assault anyone. A person who commits sexual assault can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman. Sexual assault between people in a relationship, marriage or family is also against the law.
Women have the same rights as men. Australian laws treat women and men equally. Everyone has the right to live free from violence, in a happy relationship and community. Women do not have to accept being treated badly or harmed.
If you or someone you know is in danger, telephone 000 and ask for “Police”. Police in Australia are safe and can be trusted.
The Family Safety Pack helps you to understand your rights and where to get support if you need it. There are culturally sensitive counselling services in Australia and it is acceptable to ask them for help. The pack is available in a range of translated languages at www.dss.gov.au/family-safety-pack
1800 RESPECT provides free, confidential telephone and online counselling and information. Counsellors will listen to you, answer questions and can refer you to other support services in your local area. Call 1800 737 732 or go to www.1800respect.org.au
MensLine is a counselling service that assists men to manage family and relationship difficulties including issues of violence. Phone 1300 789 978 or go to www.mensline.org.au
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) for free on 131 450. TIS National does not provide counselling but can help you to communicate with other services.
Region
Domestic and Family Violence Service
Telephone
National
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault – 24 Hour Help Lines or
www.1800respect.org.au
1800 200 526 or
1800 737 732
National
Child Abuse Prevention Service – 24 Hour Help Line or www.childabuseprevention.com.au/reporting-abuse.html
1800 688 009
NSW
02 8745 6999
Counselling and Support Service
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/children_and_families/ family_violence_counselling_and_support_service1800 608 122
Vic.
Eastern Domestic Violence Service
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
http://edvos.org.au/what-we-do
03 9322 3555
Men’s Referral Service, Richmond, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm
03 9428 2899
WA
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/Women%27s-Domestic-Violence-Helpline.aspx
1800 007 339
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service Calls from outside Perth
08 9223 1188