Experiencing violence

What is violence?

Violence is any sort of behaviour that hurts someone or makes them feel afraid. There are different types of violence including:

• Emotional - This form of violence is often unrecognised and can be very hurtful. Some forms of emotional violence are making threats, speaking in a way that is frightening, putting you down, and emotional blackmail.
• Economic - Having money, and being able to make decisions about it is one means of being independent. If someone is controlling your money, keeping you financially dependent, or making you ask for money unreasonably, then this is a form of violence.
• Social - This form of violence may happen in conjunction with other forms. If someone is insulting you or teasing you in front of other people, keeping you isolated from family and friends, controlling what you do and where you go, then they are being violent and you may need to take some action.
• Spiritual - This violence is about not allowing you to have your own opinions about religion, cultural beliefs and values.

Violence can occur anywhere

Violence can occur in many familiar places, including at work, home, or at school. It can also happen randomly, for example on the street or at a party.

Sometimes you may know the person who is violent towards you, or the person could be a stranger. There are times when you can predict that someone will be violent, and other times it can happen out of the blue.

Working through what has happened

Regardless of whether somebody intended to harm you or whether they did it by accident, experiencing violence can be a traumatic experience.

After an attack you may feel a range of emotions from fear and panic through to anger and sadness.

Sometimes the after-effects of violence and trauma can continue. These may include being on the alert; frightened of being in or near the same situation; as well as problems with sleeping including nightmares.

Violence is not an acceptable way of solving conflict or for obtaining control over a situation. If you have been hurt or are in danger it is important to contact the police.

Witnessing violence

Violence can also effect those who know someone who is experiencing it. If you have seen a violent act, it is normal to have an emotional response.

If you are having trouble coping with what you saw, it may be helpful to talk with someone you trust. This may be a friend, family member, counsellor or youth worker. Check out the Who can help you section for more information about who can help. It is important to look after yourself and ensure that by getting help you are not making the situation worse.

Finding help

The most important thing to do in, or after, a violent situation is to make sure you are safe. This may mean you find somewhere you can go where there is the guarantee that you will be out of danger. If it is an emergency, you may want to contact the Police on 000 (Australia wide).

Seeking help can be difficult, but it may be the only way to make sure the behaviour stops. It's important to remember that you will be believed and not judged by contacting the services listed below. Also, it is not your fault. Only the violent person decides to commit the violence.

Police

Most Australian states have Domestic Violence Liaison Officers who are able to help you. If you contact the police, you may want to ask directly for these officers. If you don't feel safe you can ask the police what forms of protection are available for you.

You may be able to take out an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order). To do this you have to go to a magistrate. The person threatening you is given an order by the court to stay away from you and if they break this order the police can intervene.

For more info check out the Police fact sheet.

Writing your thoughts down

Working out your feelings is an important part of recovering from a violent incident. Try writing down everything you feel - even keep a diary of your emotions.

Talking to someone

Sometimes bottling your thoughts inside can make the reactions worse. When you feel ready, you may want to tell someone you trust about what has happened.

Seeking help

A counsellor or youth worker may be able to help you identify how you are feeling or help manage your reactions. Making decisions about your long term needs and safety is important. Counsellors or youth workers may also be useful in helping you to decide what happens next. The Who can help you section can give you more information about these people.

Helpful organisations or services

National services

Police or Ambulance or Fire - 000 (Australia only)

Violence Against Women, Australian Says No (Specialises in

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault counseling and referrals) - 1800 200 526

Relationships Australia - 1300 384 277

Mensline Australia - 1300 78 99 78

VIC

Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre (Telephone counselling, information and referral to local services)
Address: 139 Sydney Rd Brunswick
Ph. (03) 9486 9866 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm OR TTY (03) 9417 2155
Email: dvirc@dvirc.org.au

WIRE - Women's Information and Referral Exchange (Information, support and referral for women)
Ph: 9654-6844 (Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm) OR 1800 136 570 (country callers)

Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria (24 hr Crisis support, information, referral to safe accommodation (refuge) for women experiencing abuse in their relationships)
Ph: 03 9373-0123 OR 1800 015 188 (toll free for country users)

Centre Against Sexual Assault Crisis (support, counselling, information for people who have been sexually assaulted)
Ph: 03 9344 2000 (daytime) OR 03 9349-1766 (After Hours Telephone Service) OR 1800 806 292 (Country)

Immigrant Women's Domestic Violence Service (For immigrant women who are victims of domestic violence)
Ph: 03 9898-3145 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

NSW

Domestic Violence Line (24hr telephone support)
Ph: 1800 656 463 OR 1800 671 442 (TTY)

Rape Crisis Centre - (02) 9819-6565 OR 1800-424-017 (Country Toll Free)

Immigrant Women's Speakout (Association For migrant & refugee women who are victims of violence, counselling, bilingual workers)
Ph: (02) 9635-8022 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Victims of Crime Support Line (Twenty Four (24) hour telephone information, support and referral for victims of crime)
Ph: (02) 9374 3000 (metro) OR 1800 633 063 (toll free) OR (02) 9374 3175 (TTY)

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (24hr telephone counselling, referral)
Ph: (02) 6280 0900 OR (02) 6228 1852 (TTY)

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (24 hr) - 6247-2525

NT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Darwin
Ph: (08) 8945-6200 (9-5 Mon-Fri)

Crisis Line (General crisis counseling - 24hr service) - 1800 019 116

Sexual Assault Referral Centre Counselling (support, information, & 24hr crisis care for recent sexual assault)
Darwin - (08) 8922-7156
Alice Springs - (08) 8951-5880

QLD

Brisbane Rape & Incest Crisis Centre - (07) 3391 0004

Immigrant Women's Support Service (Support for immigrant or refugee women victims of domestic violence, bilingual workers - Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Domestic Violence (07) 3846-3490
Sexual Assault (07) 3846 5400

SA

Domestic Violence Outreach Service (Telephone and face to face counselling, referral to safe accommodation - 24 hour service 7 days a week) - 1300 782 200

Crisis Care  (After hours crisis support for violence and abuse, suicide, child protection etc, 4pm-9am plus weekends & public.hols) - 08 8124 4424

Women's Information Service of South Australia  - (08) 8303-0590 OR 1800 188 158 OR 0401 989 860 (SMS)

TAS

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (Mon-Fri 9am-Midnight, weekends 4pm-midnight) - (03) 6233 2529 OR 1800 633 937 OR 1800 608 122 (Statewide)

Sexual Assault Support Services (Telephone and face to face counseling) - 03 6231 1811

WA

Women's Refuge Group Telephone (support, referral to safe accommodation, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) - (08) 9420 7264

Crisis Care Unit (24hr crisis support for violence, child protection, suicide, etc) - (08) 9325-1111 or 1800 199-008 or (08) 9325-1232 (TTY)

Sexual Assault & Referral Centre (24 hr Telephone and face to face counselling, female doctors) - (08) 93401828 or 9340 18 20 or 1800 199-888 (Country callers)

Women's Refuge & Multicultural Service (Outreach support for immigrant women who are victims/ survivors of domestic violence) - (08) 9325-7716