How Common Is Domestic and Family Violence?

How Common Is Domestic and Family Violence?

Raising Awareness of the Prevalence and Impact on Victim-Survivors

Domestic and family violence is a widespread and deeply harmful issue that affects people across all backgrounds, ages, and communities. It can involve physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse by a partner, ex-partner, or family member. While anyone can be affected, women and children are disproportionately impacted.

At our counselling, mediation and relationship centre, we are committed to supporting those impacted by domestic and family violence and raising awareness of its long-term effects on individuals and families.

📊 How Widespread Is Domestic and Family Violence?

The statistics reveal a confronting picture:

• One in four women in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021–22).
  
  
• Approximately 20 percent of Australians report having experienced domestic or family violence since age 15.
  
  
• Among all Australian adults:
  
  
  • 2.2 million have experienced violence from a partner or ex-partner
    
    
  • 1.1 million have experienced violence from a boyfriend, girlfriend, or date
    
    
  • 1.4 million have experienced violence from another family member
    (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023)
    
    

🧠 How Domestic and Family Violence Affects Adults

The effects of violence extend well beyond the moment of abuse. Many victim-survivors experience long-term impacts on their physical and mental health, even after the relationship has ended.

Common health and wellbeing consequences include:

• Physical injuries (bruising, broken bones, internal injuries, or life-threatening harm)
  
  
• Brain injuries, hearing or vision loss
  
  
• Miscarriage or early delivery
  
  
• Sexually transmitted infections
  
  
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
  
  
• Substance and alcohol misuse
  
  
• Eating disorders
  
  
• Homelessness
  
  
• Suicide or suicidal ideation
  
  
• Ongoing poverty and financial hardship
  
  

These impacts highlight the need for immediate support and long-term care strategies for healing and recovery.

👧 Impacts on Children and Young People

Children and young people can be deeply affected by domestic and family violence, even if they are not physically present during the incidents. The emotional environment, tension, and fear can leave lasting marks on their development.

Children exposed to domestic and family violence may:

• Attempt to intervene and risk harm to themselves
  
  
• Blame themselves for the abuse
  
  
• Imitate violent or aggressive behaviours
  
  
• Experience fear, guilt, anxiety, or depression
  
  
• Regress in behaviour (bedwetting, thumb sucking, nightmares)
  
  
• Perform poorly or act out at school
  
  
• Develop unexplained physical symptoms (e.g. headaches, stuttering, asthma)
  
  
• Run away, self-harm, or attempt suicide
  
  
• Use drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms
  
  

Providing children with trauma-informed care and counselling is essential for breaking the cycle of violence and supporting long-term wellbeing.

🆘 Support Services and Emergency Help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact:

• Emergency Services – 📞 000
  
  

For emotional support and confidential assistance, the following helplines are available:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
  
  
• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
  
  
• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or 1800 55 1800
  
  
• Mensline – 1300 789 978
  
  
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
  
  
• Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
  
  
• DV Connect – 1800 811 811
  
  

We offer a confidential and compassionate space for anyone affected by domestic and family violence. Whether you are seeking counselling, mediation, or need guidance on what steps to take, our qualified team is here to support you.

📞 Contact us today to begin your path toward healing and safety.