Abuse and violence

No one should have to endure an abusive relationship. Whether it's physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, or something else, there is help available. Read about the types of abuse, how to spot an abusive relationship, and where you can get help.

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse is one of the types of abuse that you can experience in an abusive relationship.

Image of a teenage girl sitting against a wall in a school hallway. She had her knees drawn to her chest and is looking away from the camera with a non-smiling face.

What is physical abuse?

Physical abuse in a relationship often starts gradually, such as with a push or a slap, and then becomes progressively worse over time.

What is child abuse?

The effects of abuse on a child are serious and long-lasting. No matter when the abuse has occurred, you can get help and support.

young woman curiously looking out window

Signs of an abusive relationship

It’s not always obvious that you’re in an abusive relationship. Learn some of the key signs to look for.

What is sexual assault?

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, remember it’s not your fault and it’s never okay for someone to force you to do something you are uncomfortable with.

What is sexual harassment?

‘Sexual harassment’ is any form of unwelcome sexual behaviour that’s offensive, humiliating or intimidating.

Surviving sexual abuse

Read the story of a survivor; how one young person refused to let their history of sexual abuse determine their future.

grace tame sitting in a cafe looking away from the camera smiling

Grace Tame on how sexual assault survivors can share their story with people they trust

Grace Tame, 2021 Australian of the Year, explains what sexual assault survivors can do if they want to share their story safely and constructively.

Domestic violence and what you can do about it

Domestic violence, or ‘intimate partner violence’, is violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour in a relationship.

Domestic violence support

If you’re experiencing domestic violence, there are services available to help you regardless of where you live in Australia.

Dealing with your own violent behaviour

If you’re being violent, there are things you can do to understand and stop your destructive behaviour.

Audio stories back cartoon pair of headphones on a yellow background

Real stories: Abusive relationships

Based on real events, this audio story follows Shaia, Nena and Adem, as they recall how they made their way through abusive relationships to get the help they deserved.

A story of moving on after abusive relationships

Read how one young woman moved on to a positive relationship after two abusive ones.

two girls sitting in front of a stairway and one of them leans on the other

Everything you need to know about sexual assault

Click here to learn about sexual assault, how trauma can affect your life, and how you can get support during tough times.

6 tips for supporting a friend who's been sexually assaulted

It can be confronting when a friend tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted. Not sure what to do? Here’s how best to support them and yourself.

a young woman holds a young mans shoulder as he looks into the distance

If you're a male survivor of sexual assault, here are some things you should know

Can men be raped? Here’s why sexual assault against men is a big problem, and how to get support if this has happened to you.

a young woman talking to a friend privately

What to do if you want to take action against someone who sexually assaulted you

If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, and want to take action against your perpetrator or seek justice for what happened, here are some options to consider.

Sexual assault support services

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can get help and support.

a young woman at a party with her hands in her lap

What to do if you've realised a past experience was sexual assault

This article can help you work out if a past experience was sexual assault, how to come to terms with this realisation, and what steps you can take next.

5 things you need to know about sexual consent

Sexual consent is when you and your sexual partner both agree to have sex. It's really important to be clear on this before things get too hot and heavy.