UNDERSTANDING
FAMILY VIOLENCE

Find out what family or domestic violence is and how it’s defined.

Family violence causes significant physical, emotional, psychological and financial harm to those who experience it, and can be lethal.

While most people who experience family violence are women, it can impact anyone.

Family violence can take many different forms including, but not limited to, physical abuse.

Using data and statistics is an effective way to explain the prevalence and impact of family violence and violence against women.

Family violence is a complex issue and there is no single cause. There are many factors that predict or ‘drive’ higher levels of family violence in the community.

There are many myths surrounding family and gender-based violence. We share some common questions and misconceptions about family and gender-based violence, and the facts to help counter them.

Ending family violence is long-term work that must occur at all levels and all sites across the community. 

If you are experiencing family violence, there are services that have family violence experts who can listen to you, help you explore your options and help you think about what you want to do next. 

Family violence often happens behind closed doors, making it hard for people experiencing abuse to reach out for support. This page has information for friends, family, neighbours and colleagues about supporting someone who may be experiencing family violence.

There are a number of ways that you can support Safe and Equal and our member organisations. Your donation can strengthen our work in preventing and responding to family and gender-based violence.

Read about people’s experiences of family violence and abuse to understand the various forms and how they survived.