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Family violence is sometimes called domestic violence. It is when a person harms or controls a family member, or someone they’re in a close and personal relationship with (family relationship). The harm or control can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or dowery related, sexual, or a combination of these.
The Family Violence Act 2018 says family relationships include:
Find information about Family Violence specialist services on our help page. If you need to leave this website quickly, use the quick exit button at the bottom of the screen.
Family violence can be a single act or a pattern of behaviour that causes harm, and that harm adds up over time for the person being targeted. This can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, or a combination of these. It doesn’t always include physical violence.
Family Violence Act 2018 - legal definition of family violence(external link)
Family violence can include controlling behaviour and emotional abuse.
Examples of this are:
Sometimes it can be hard to know if you’re experiencing family violence. Visit the AreYouOK website if you’re not sure.
The ‘Check it out’ tool can help you understand:
AreYouOK – Check it out tool(external link)
Find information on family violence specialist services on our help page.
There are services available if you need help or support for family violence.
Visit our help page to find specialist family violence support