Domestic, family and sexual violence

Domestic and family violence is when someone is using certain behaviours to hurt, scare, control or monitor you. It can include:

• physical harm – like hitting or choking
• emotional abuse – such as threats, intimidation or constant put‑downs
• sexual violence – any sexual activity you didn’t or couldn’t consent to
• financial abuse – like controlling your access to money or creating debts in your name
• technology abuse – such as accessing your messages, using your phone to track you or restricting or controlling how you use your devices and accounts.

It can happen in many types of relationships, including between:

• current or former partners
• parents and children
• extended family or kinship groups
• people who live together (including housemates or in care homes)
• carers or guardians.

If you have experienced any sexual behaviour without your consent, this is sexual violence. It can be physical or non‑physical and includes when you:

• did not freely agree – such as being forced, pressured, coerced or manipulated
• withdrew your consent
• were unable to consent (because of your age or other factors).

Sexual violence can happen:

• within a relationship or family
• with friends, acquaintances, colleagues or people you only know online
• with strangers. 

If you have experienced violence or abuse, it is not your fault and you have the right to get help.

If you think you, or someone you know, may be experiencing abuse, please reach out and talk to someone you trust. 

For free confidential help, contact 1800RESPECT (24/7) on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.

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