Domestic Violence is a complex pattern of behaviour. It refers to violence, abuse and intimidation between family members or people that have been in an intimate relationship.
The perpetrator uses violence, fear to control, and dominate other people. Women experience domestic violence at far greater rates than men do. Domestic Violence is a violation of human rights and in Australia, domestic violence is a crime.
Domestic Violence happens in:
- every community
- in all cultures
- to young and old
- to wealthy and poor
- in any profession or level of education
Domestic Violence can take the form of a range of behaviours, including:
- Emotional abuse
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Verbal abuse
- Financial abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Stalking and intimidation (including via social media)
- Isolating a person from seeing their friends and family
- Stopping a person from practicing their religious or cultural beliefs
There is help available
Useful phone numbers and resources:
| Service | Information | Contact information |
|---|---|---|
| Police, Fire, Ambulance | 000 | |
| Domestic Violence Crisis Line | 24/7 information, support and referral service for people experiencing domestic and family violence. | 1800 65 64 63 Domestic Violence Crisis website |
| Housing Plus, Orange NSW | Crisis accommodation and support services | 1800 603 300 The Orchard Orange website |
| Operation Courage, Orange NSW | A service for women and children experiencing domestic violence in the Orange and Cabonne Council areas. | 1300 384 357 Operation Courage website |
| Lifeline | Crisis counselling | 131 114 Lifeline website |
| 1800 RESPECT | National domestic and family violence initiative | 1800 737 732 1800 RESPECT website |
| Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) | The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services in over 150 languages. | 131 450 TIS website |
| Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service | Information, assistance and court advocacy services for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence | 1800 93 82 27 (1800WDVCAS) WDVCAS Website |
| Elder Abuse Helpline | Information, advice and referrals for older people experiencing violence | 1800 628 221 Elder Abuse Helpline website |
| Immigrant Women's Speakout | Information and referral service for immigrant and refugee women | 02 9635 8022 Speakout website |
| Women's Legal Service NSW | Free confidential legal information, advice and referrals for women in New South Wales | 1800 801 501 Women's Legal Service website |
| Link2home | 24/7 information and referral service for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness | 1800 152 152 Link2home website |
| NSW Victims Service | Support, counselling, financial assistance, referral and information for people experiencing violence | 1800 633 063 and Aboriginal Line: 1800 019 123 Victims Service website |
| NSW Rape Crisis Centre | 24/7 rape and crisis telephone and online counselling service for people who have experienced, or is at risk of, sexual assault, domestic or family violence | 1800 424 017 Rape Crisis Centre website |
| National Relay Service (for Hearing impaired) | If you are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you. | 133 677 National Relay Service website |
For information in 20 languages other than English, please visit the RESPECT website.
