Domestic and family violence is when one person in a relationship wants to have power and control over the other person in the relationship. It involves the use of force, threats or intimidation by one person to control and manipulate others.
Does the person you live with:
Are you:
Women and children are the overwhelming majority (up to 95%) of those who experience domestic and family violence.
There are many forms of abuse including physical, verbal, emotional, financial, social isolation, sexual and psychological.
Psychological or emotional abuse can be more harmful than physical abuse. Abuse in a relationship is never acceptable.
Domestic and Family Violence can have a profound effect on children whether they are the target of abuse or witness abuse of another family member.
Any person can experience domestic and family violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality or lifestyle. Adults can abuse their children, and adolescent children can abuse their parents.
In 2004, there were 17 domestic homicides in WA. Police attended 18,000 complaints of domestic and family violence, a 50% increase on the previous year.
Someone you know may very likely be experiencing domestic or family violence in their relationship. Statistics tell us that 58% of women who have been physically assaulted discuss it with a friend or neighbour.
The most important thing you can do is to listen without judging, respect the person's decisions, and help them find ways to become stronger and safer.
Things you can say: