Domestic violence/Family violence

Domestic/Family Violence refers to situations where people are exposed to a pattern of abusive relationships with a partner or family member. It is very difficult to leave a domestic violence situation. Domestic violence can occur in any situation irrespective of age, education, status, financial position or background.  However domestic violence affects women and children more than any other group. The ACT Government reports on domestic violence data Australia wide.  Below are some resources to help recognise and understand domestic violence situations as well as strategies to help others who feel stuck in a domestic violence situation.

  • The Duluth Power and Control Wheel illustrates the way power and control is wielded physically and sexually in domestic violence situations.
  • The Australian National Domestic and Family Violence Bench Book highlights several factors in domestic violence situations that indicate increases risk of murder including past violence, non-fatal strangulation, weapons, threats to kill, separation, pregnancy of victim, misuse of drugs and alcohol by perpetrator, stalking and other controlling, jealous, obsessive behaviours of the perpetrator.
  • But He Says He Loves Me is a book describing domestic violence situation from the perspective of the abuser (left pages of the book THE ABUSER’S HANDBOOK) and the victim (right pages of the book BUT HE SAYS HE LOVES ME).
  • Why does he do that – inside the minds of angry and controlling men is written by a counsellor (Lundy Bancroft) to explain how abusers think to help women recognise when they are being controlled or devalued and ways to free themselves from an abusive relationship.
  • The Guardian reports stories from five women who experienced and left domestic violence situations.
  • This podcast interview with the daughter of an abusive father describes growing up in a DV family
  • In this podcast, a daughter describes growing up in a loving family in California where the wife is subject to domestic violence by her husband.
  • For help in a domestic violence situation contact your local domestic violence crisis service (search with google).