Family violence is against the law. It includes any threatening, coercive, controlling or violent behaviour occurring in family, domestic or intimate relationships. 

Men who use violence against female partners are committing family violence. Some other examples of family violence are: 

• Adult children financially abusing an elderly parent 

• A man with a disability being sexually abused by his carer 

• Teenage children being verbally abusive to siblings or parents 

• A child witnessing or experiencing abuse by a parent 

• A parent cutting off a child because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

To learn more, visit the FVREE website. 

If you are concerned, let the person know you have observed some early warning signs that there may be abuse happening and that information is available.  

If someone discloses to you that they are experiencing family violence, the three most important things you can do are:  

1. Listen without interruption or judgement  

2. Believe and validate their experience  

3. Provide information about referral pathways  

Let them know you are willing to help if they reach out. It can take some time before the person is ready to take action and it is important they put into place some strategies to stay safe. 

Contact Safe Steps 

Phone: 1800 015 188 

Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au 

Family violence is gendered in nature. While both men and women can be victims and perpetrators of family violence, most family violence and the most severe violence, is perpetrated by a man against a woman.  

Australian surveys and studies estimate that children are present in between 36 – 59 percent of family violence incidents. ¹ 

Because of existing discrimination and inequality some people will experience family violence that is more severe or happens at higher rates: 

• People with disabilities  

• First Nations people 

• LGBTIQ+ people 

• People from migrant and refugee backgrounds.