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Domestic and family violence

You do not deserve to be abused. You did not ask for it. You are not alone.

While report rates remain well below the state average, domestic violence-related assault is an ongoing concern within the Waverley LGA. Information and statistics on violence against women in Australia can be found at Our Watch.

Domestic and family violence is preventable. Ending domestic, family and intimate partner violence starts with respectful and equal relationships.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic and family violence is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in which a partner, family member or carer governs or decides how another person should behave or think. This kind of behaviour may include:

• Fear
• Social control
• Sexual violence
• Emotional or psychological control
• Intimidation
• Physical violence
• Violence against pets
• Financial control
• Spiritual practice control
• Reproductive abuse
• Abuse in LGBTIQA+ relationships
• Technology facilitated abuse
• Strangulation or suffocation

Important dates

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25 November – Annual day against gender-based violence.
• United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence, 25 November to 10 December – Annual international campaign to raise awareness of violence against women, address the global scale of the issue and act toward ending gender-based violence.
• International Human Rights Day, 10 December – Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

For a comprehensive range of support services available, visit our Services directory and resources for families.

For more information, advice and referral, and to subscribe to Waverley Family Support e-news, email stella.despinidis@waverley.nsw.gov.au.