Domestic & Family Violence
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger. To access 24/7 counselling and support call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
We’re here to support, assist and guide you no matter your circumstance or region.
Our Services
At Strong Communities we have experienced facilitators trained in Trauma and Domestic Violence programs suitable for survivors, children or perpetrators.
We offer Australia’s first evidence based behaviour change program helping fathers who have used violence ‘Caring Dads’. Caring Dads supports better parenting practices and a reduction in violence to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children.
Our trauma informed, evidenced based programs incorporate safe, relationship building programs for parents to rebuild relationships with their children after Domestic and Family violence, and a suite of grief and loss psycho-educational programs to assist survivors with healing.
Contact our team on info@strongcommunities.org.au or call 0497 704 113 if you would like further information.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic & Family Violence
Family & domestic violence is any behaviour that is violent, threatening, controlling, or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe.
Family and domestic violence isn’t always physical. It can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender or sexual orientation. It can happen anywhere, including at home or at work.
It can cause you to live in fear for yourself and your family. This can happen even when you have left a violent relationship.
Family and domestic violence can include, but isn’t limited to:
・physical violence
・sexual assault
・verbal or emotional abuse
・controlling behaviour
・stalking
・technology facilitated abuse
・financial abuse
・abuse of older Australians
Types of domestic & family violence
Physical violence
Any violent behaviour or threats of violence. It can be directed at you, or your children, pets or property. It might be: punching, hitting, kicking, pushing or choking.
Sexual assault
Sexual behaviour you don’t want, such as being forced into sexual activity against your will.
Verbal or emotional abuse
Behaviour that makes you feel worthless and put down. This can include yelling, insulting, name-calling and swearing.
Controlling behaviour
Controlling behaviour makes you do or believe things you wouldn’t normally. You may be stopped from seeing people or leaving the house. You may be stopped from spiritual or cultural participation that’s important to you.
Stalking
Behaviour that makes you feel harassed or intimidated. This could be: repeated phone calls or messages, unwanted or obsessive attention or someone following or monitoring you.
Technology facilitated abuse
When someone monitors what you do online. This may include: checking your computer and phone use, using spyware on your phone to track you or publishing intimate photos of you without your consent.
Financial abuse
Behaviour limiting your access to money. Warning signs might be: not being able to have money of your own, not being able to work or having to account for how you spend your money.
Abuse of older Australians
Deliberate or unintentional harmful behaviour in a relationship of trust with an older person. It’s any violence or mistreatment that causes harm or distress to an older person. It could be: emotional, psychological, financial, physical, social, sexual or neglect.
Who can it affect?
Family and domestic violence can affect anyone in all types of relationships. It can occur in past or current intimate relationships.
This includes dating or living together, regardless of gender or sexuality, relationships involving carers of people with a disability or a medical condition, relationships with relatives and guardians or culturally recognised family groups.
Source: Family and domestic violence – What is family and domestic violence – Services Australia
More information on support services for CALD women and children can be found here: Supporting people from CALD, migrant and refugee experiences of violence | 1800RESPECT
Helpful Resources & Assistance
1800RESPECT
Access 24/7 counselling and support call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
DV CONNECT
Crisis support Queensland on 1800 811 811
MENSLINE AUSTRALIA
Free help, support, referrals & counselling for men
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
KIDS HELPLINE
24/7 Support for children and young adults.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Strong Communities Podcast
Domestic & Family Violence Series
In this special series, we talk anonymously with women who share their experience with domestic violence.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government, Department of Child Safety, Youth & Women.
