Domestic and family violence

Content warning

This webpage covers topics that may be confronting for some people. It may cause sadness, anxiety, distress, or trigger traumatic memories.

If it is not the right time for you to read this content, and you prefer to talk about your health or wellbeing challenge with a member of our team contact us on 1800 001 060.

Domestic and family violence is one of the most serious social and public health issues facing communities across Australia.

If you or a child or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.

What is domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence is the repeated use of violence, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviours between people in a family, carer relationship, domestic or intimate relationship, or former intimate relationship. This may include carers. Domestic and family violence is a problem in Australian society.

There are different types of abuse – not always physical. Abuse is a pattern of behaviour, to gain power and control.

No matter what your relationship to someone is, sexual, domestic, or family violence is never OK.

If you are experiencing violence or abuse you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for support. This program offers free, 24/7 support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.

Impact of domestic and family violence on nurses and midwives

A significant number of nurses and midwives experience domestic and family violence.

In 2019, pioneering research was commissioned by the ANMF Victorian Branch to find out about the prevalence of family violence in our homes. The research was led by Dr Elizabeth (Liz) McLindon and involved over 11,500 nurses and midwives.

It found alarming rates of partner abuse experienced by our colleagues in the profession.

Support services

No matter where you are in Australia, support is available. We’ve compiled a list of services that provide confidential help to those experiencing family or domestic violence, or who are concerned about their own behaviour.

These services offer a safe place to turn, whether you need advice, crisis care, or someone to talk to who understands.

1800RESPECT – Free, confidential information, counselling, and support for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence. Available 24/7,
Services Australia – Information, referrals, and support for people affected by family and domestic violence.
Relationships Australia – Support for building positive and respectful relationships.
White Ribbon – National and state-specific helplines for those seeking support.
MensLine Australia – Free telephone and online counselling service offering support for men in Australia. Available 24/7.
Elder Abuse Phone Line – A national gateway for state-based services offering information, support, and referrals for concerns about elder abuse.

Why does domestic and family violence happen

Complex issues contribute to the prevalence of domestic and family violence in our society. It is widely accepted that these include social norms and structures that privilege some groups of people over others with more power and resources.

These factors include:

gender divide between men and women
race
class or income status.

Things that contribute to and perpetuate domestic and family violence:

condoning of violence against women and associated behaviours
stereotypes and gendered roles
toxic masculinity

Family and domestic violence leave

As an employee you are entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year. It is the same for full-time, part-time and casual employees. It’s a paid minimum leave entitlement, like annual leave or paid sick and carer’s leave. Talk to your manager or your HR contact and or a union delegate or go to FairWork: family and domestic violence leave

Stopping and preventing it – what we can do

Domestic and family violence is not inevitable. It is preventable if we join to raise awareness, and challenge myths and assumptions that perpetuate violence and create a more equal and inclusive society.

Some of the ways we can do this include: