Suffer in silence? Family (domestic) violence doesn’t recognise status or wealth…

Family violence is not only being physically abused or assaulted. Often, the worst type of family violence is the sort that doesn’t leave bruises. Family violence does not recognise people as wealthy or poor, or recognise cultural differences. People in every sort of relationship or situation, can find themselves victims of family violence.

The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 defines domestic violence (family violence) as behaviour by one person toward another person (within a relevant relationship) that is:

• physically or sexually abusive;
• emotionally or psychologically abusive;
• economically abusive;
• threatening;
• coercive; or
• in any other way controls or dominates the other person and causes the other person to fear for their safety or wellbeing, or someone else’s safety or wellbeing.

It is difficult for victims of family violence to admit the abuse, for many reasons. We have provided below a link to the Ted Talk by Leslie Morgan Steiner: Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave:

In this talk, Leslie tells her story of how she faced, and survived, a domestically violent relationship. It is powerful viewing, and may offer support for people suffering in an abusive relationship, or perhaps friends or family of someone in an abusive relationship.

If you are suffering in silence, and would like to talk about how you might be able to protect yourself (or your children, or other loved ones), please contact our office to arrange a confidential initial consultation.