Domestic & Family Violence Support | Thoughtful Connections Pty Ltd

Domestic and Family Violence

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So what happens when your personal power has been taken away by either an intimate partner or a family member, and you feel afraid to act?

Let's talk openly about what can happen when "arguments" and "power plays" get so serious that one person experiences fear.

In 2021–22 the Australian Personal Safety Survey reported the following violence prevalence rates:

Since the age of 15:

2 / 5 women (39%) and 2 / 5 men (43%) experienced violence
1 / 5 women (22%) and 1 / 16 men (6.1%) experienced sexual violence
1 / 3 women (31%) and 2 / 5 men (42%) experienced physical violence
1 / 5 women (20%) and 1 / 15 men (6.8%) experienced stalking

Intimate partner or family member violence, since the age of 15

1 in 4 women (27%) and 1 / 8 men (12%) experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member
1 / 12 women (8.1%) and 1 / 17 men (5.9%) experienced violence by a family member
1 / 4 women (23%) and 1 / 14 men (7.3%) experienced violence by an intimate partner
1 / 11 women (9.3%) and 1 / 44 men (*2.3%) experienced violence by a boyfriend, girlfriend, or date
1 / 6 women (17%) and 1 / 18 men (5.5%) experienced cohabiting partner violence
1 / 4 women (23%) and 1 / 7 men (14%) experienced cohabiting partner emotional abuse
1 / 6 women (16%) and 1 / 13 men (7.8%) experienced cohabiting partner economic abuse

Before the age of 15:

1 / 6 women (18%) and 1 / 9 men (11%) experienced childhood abuse
1 / 6 women (16%) and 1 / 9 men (11%) witnessed parental violence during childhood

Let these numbers sink in.

These numbers continue to rise, unfortunately, as the shame, guilt, blame and secrecy associated with the violence that happens behind closed doors continues to exist.

Like many other first-world countries, Australia has very specific laws about Family & Domestic Violence:

Any person who coerces, controls or causes another person to be or feel afraid or fear for their wellbeing - is seen as a perpetrator of violence, or a person using violence.
Any person who exposes a baby, child or young person under the age of 18 is seen as a perpetrator of family violence.
These behaviours usually occur in a recognizable pattern over time.
There does not need to be a physical injury for a person to have experienced family and domestic violence.

What acts are covered under Australian Law?

Assaults Threats Abuse Neglect Harassment Coercive Control

that occur repeatedly, or as single incidents
between partners who live together (currently or previously in a married or de facto relationship), boyfriends, girlfriends or dates (both current or previous)
within a domestic or family context - partners who live/have lived together (in a married or de facto relationship), parents, step-parents, siblings, step-siblings, extended family and kinship relationships, extended family includes carers, foster-carers or co-residents who live together in a group home or similar.
Even a single incidence of violence within this space is recognized.

The definitions of violence as recognized in Australian legislation can be found here: What is domestic and family violence? | Family Violence Law Help. Please visit the web page, as increasing your general education about this topic increases the possible levels of safety for the future.

Anyone experiencing Family and Domestic Violence in Australia is able to apply for a protective order, through your nearest Domestic Violence or Magistrate's Court. More information (Queensland) is available here: Domestic violence orders | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government.

If you are worried you won't have a place to live if you leave, please visit this site: DV Connect. They can help link you with a Shelter and access crisis/emergency funds.

If you are, or you think you may be experiencing domestic and family violence, try talking to someone.

Everyone has a right to feel safe and to live free from violence.

Source: Personal Safety information accessed from Personal Safety, Australia, 2021-22 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics. (Please click on one of the links below for direct information, help and support from a National Domestic Violence service.)

Click here to read the Australian Government's "ending violence" support information

While we encourage you to access a crisis support service, our Thoughtful Connections practitioner is still available to speak with you and provide you with therapeutic counselling and support.