Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be stopped

It's commonly assumed that domestic violence takes the form of physical abuse only. In fact, domestic violence includes physical, emotional and economic abuse. It's important to recognise the signs of domestic violence and get the support you need to respond appropriately.

Physical abuse

Physical domestic violence is the term used to describe any act that:

• Is physically or sexually abusive
• Causes physical harm
• Controls or dominates a person in any way
• Causes that person to fear for their safety or wellbeing

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse can take many different forms, including:

• Following a person in public, much like stalking
• Continuous contact via phone, email or social media without consent
• Remaining outside a person's home or workplace
• Preventing a person from contacting friends or family members
• Tracking a person with a GPS device
• Repeated derogatory taunts

Economic abuse

Economic abuse relates to the withholding of finances, including:

• Not allowing access to a joint bank account
• Not allowing a person to have their own bank account
• Withholding money so a person cannot carry out daily activities without financial permission

If you believe you are the victim of any kind of domestic abuse, you have every right to take measures to protect yourself and stop the abuse. It may be appropriate for you to apply for an injunction or restraining order or an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO), which orders a person to do, or refrain from doing, a particular act. Breaches of these orders are taken very seriously and can result in jail time.

We provide completely confidential, professional advice that will allow you to assess your options. Speak to a lawyer today.