Family violence

Brimbank remains committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has the right to live a safe and meaningful life free from all forms of violence. 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000 (triple zero).

What is Family Violence?

Family violence is any threatening, coercive, dominating or abusive behaviour that occurs between people in a family, domestic or intimate relationship, or former intimate relationship, that causes the person experiencing the behaviour to feel fear. In Australia, it is against the law for any member of your family, including your partner, children or in-laws, to hurt or control you.

Family violence includes (but is not limited to):

• Any type of physical violence
• Being forced to do sexual acts, even if you are married or in a relationship
• Making threats or any kind of verbal abuse
• Denying  access to money
• Controlling contact with people outside the family
• Children witnessing this abuse.

It is never your fault.

Often, people affected by family violence feel alone and isolated, perhaps even guilty or feel like they deserve what is happening to them. Many suffer the effects of family violence alone, and instances go unreported. If you are worried about someone, or need to seek help yourself, contact one of the support services below. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

How to help if you’re family, a friend or neighbour

• Be sure to check in on them regularly to let them know there is help. Although it may not be possible to physically visit them due to current social distancing rules, you could contact them through instant messaging apps or SMS.
• You could agree on code word or signal that the person experiencing family violence can use if they need help or need to call the police.
• You could keep copies of important documents or have an ‘escape’ bag ready for them.
• If they are in immediate danger, call 000 (triple zero).
• Check out Respect Victoria's 'Call It Out' campaign