Not The Only One: Resources Overview
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence (also known as domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, relationship violence, or family violence) includes any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, emotional, sexual, economic and social harm to those in the relationship. An intimate relationship may refer to a survivor’s current or previous partner or living companion, including same sex relationships. Domestic violence is characterised by a pattern of fear and control. Fear experienced by the abused partner may be constant or episodic. Regardless of the frequency with which abuse occurs, it is still abuse. Many domestic violence survivors say that arguments did not precede the violent episodes or that the perpetrator often provoked the confrontation deliberately. Although we recognise that men can also be victims of domestic violence, the majority of victims are women. One in three adult women globally have experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of an intimate partner.
Services & Support
If you would like to talk to someone about your options for safety, your relationship, or any other concerns, visit the 1800 RESPECT website page which has details for specialist support services in each Australian state and territory, or you may like to contact one of the following national services by phone.
National Sexual Assault & Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800 RESPECT): 1800 737 732 (24 hrs)
Beyondblue info line: 1300 22 4636
Relationships Australia info line: 1300 364 277
Lifeline: 13 11 14
DirectLine - Drug Counselling & Information: 1800 888 236 (24hrs)
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
PANDA National Helpline (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression): 1300 726 306
You can also visit our HELP page.
Self-Care
Some people may have a strong emotional reaction to reading the stories on this website. It may remind you of your own experiences. This is a stress reaction that is completely normal. You are not crazy or weak.
Other Resources
Visit our resource hub which provides access to a range of videos, tools, websites, education and training for survivors, family members, men who use violence, clinicians, practitioners, policy makers and researchers.