What is domestic violence

Reference numbers
'Domestic violence', 'family violence' and 'domestic abuse' are all terms to describe behaviour that occurs in an family or close personal relationship and is violent, threatening, coercive or controlling or causes a victim to live in fear.

We recognise that Domestic Violence:

  • is a human rights violation;
  • can happen anywhere but predominately takes place in the home;
  • can happen to anyone with the majority of cases perpetrated by a man against a woman;
  • can cause significant harm to children; and;
  • may take many forms such as physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and intimidation, spiritual abuse, economic deprivation, social deprivation, damage to personal property and/or abuse of power.

Who to ask for help

If you are concerned about domestic violence, speak to a family member, a friend or contact one of the support services listed on this website (see the Resources page).
  • Police and/or Ambulance – Call 000 (Triple Zero)
  •  NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63 (24 hrs, 7 days)
  • Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia
    1800 424 017 (24 hrs, 7 days)
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Delvena & Bringa Women’s Refuges 9971 4499
  • Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service 8425 8707
  • Northern Sydney Sexual Assault Service 9462 9477