Domestic Violence
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic Violence is abusive behaviour used to exert power over another person in their relationship. It includes many different forms of violence, such as:
- Physical Assault:
punching, kicking, biting, pushing, slapping, choking and/or the use of weapons. - Sexual Assault:
being forced to have sex (rape), indecent assault, being forced to look at pornography. - Psychological Abuse:
threats of violence or death, humiliating or putting somebody down, playing mind games, abuse that threatens or insults. - Economic Abuse :
having no access to, or control over money, taking money away, not being allowed to get a job. - Social Abuse :
limiting involvement outside the home, aims to isolate victim from family and friends.
Domestic Violence doesn't just affect families it affects us all. That's because violence of any type promotes fear, isolation and hurt in our community. Each of us has a responsibility to do something about reducing violence and helping victims of domestic violence.
If you know about domestic violence in your community - report it!
WHAT CAN I DO
If you see or suspect domestic violence, particularly physical assault - report it!
There are many ways that people can report a domestic violence situation or talk to somebody about their concerns.
The City of Canterbury has a Canterbury Domestic Violence Liaison Committee working for our community. The Committee is made up of local services that work to address domestic violence. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month. The Committee is located at The Carrington Centre, 4/2 Carrington Square, Campsie 2194. Phone: 02 9718 1955 or Email: help@womenscounselling.com.au for more information.
ORGANISATIONS WHERE YOU CAN SEEK ADVICE AND HELP
Your local Police can be contacted on
Campsie (02) 9789 9404
Hurstville (02) 9375 8599
Ashfield (02) 9797 4099
NSW Dept of Community Services Domestic Violence Line
1800 65 64 63
(24 hr service).
Emergency accomodation, support and referal service.
Women's Information and Referral Service (WIRS) A confidential phone service
1800 817 227.
These services will do all they can to support families to find better ways to deal with disagreements and anger. They aim to support families and victims of domestic violence to find solutions to violence in their lives. However, nobody should have to tolerate a domestic violence situation.
