What is Domestic and Family Violence?
Domestic and Family Violence is when one person in a relationship wants to have power and control over the other person in the relationship. It involves the use of force, threats or intimidation by one person to control and manipulate others
It is mainly committed by men against women.
‘Gender- based violence is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace.’ (Kofi Annan, United Nations General Secretary)
There are many forms of abuse including physical, verbal, emotional, financial using social isolation, sexual and psychological.
Psychological or emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse. Abuse in a relationship is never acceptable.
Domestic and Family Violence can have a profound effect on children whether they are abused or witness abuse of another family member.
Women and children are the overwhelming majority of those who experience domestic and family violence (up to 95%).
Any woman can experience domestic and family violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality or lifestyle.
In 2004, there were 17 domestic homicides in WA. Police attended 18,000 complaints of domestic and family violence, a 50% increase on the previous year.
What do you do when she tells you?
Someone you know may very likely be experiencing domestic or family violence in their relationship. Statistics tell us that 58% of women who have been physically assaulted discussed it with a friend or neighbour
So What Should I Do?
The most important thing you can do is to listen without judging, respect her decisions, and help her find ways to become stronger and safer.
Things to say:
- I believe you
- You do not deserve to be abused
- I am afraid for your safety and the safety of your children
- Do you need help to find out what services are available?
Seven Step Safety Plan
- Arrange a secret signal for use in an emergency-a special word or phrase
- Prepare an excuse to leave quickly-and rehearse it
- Always carry change for phone calls
- Make sure you have a list of relevant phone numbers
- Organise a safe place to go in an emergency
- Prepare an ‘escape bag’ and hide it in a safe place- include money, car keys and copies of documents like property deeds, medicare cards, children’s records, ID
- Find out how the Police can offer protection
24 Hour Emergency Phone numbers
National
Emergency - Police, Ambulance, Fire 000
Western Australia
WA Police 131 444
Crisis Care 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008
Women's DV Helpline 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339
Men's DV Helpline 9223 1199 or 1800 000 599
Sexual Assault Resource Centre 9340 1828 or 1800 199 888