Domestic and family violence does not discriminate. It can occur in all sectors of the community and across all cultural groups. Anybody can be a victim of domestic and family violence. Domestic violence affects the physical, emotional, social and economic wellbeing of all members of the family including children.
While the majority of incidents reported to police involve a male offender and a female victim, it is the experience of police that all genders can be victims and offenders.
Domestic and family violence can happen across all relationship types including:
- married and de facto couples
- boyfriends and girlfriends
- LGBTI couples
- long term residents in the same residential facility
- carers
- relatives
- for Aboriginal people, extended family or kin
There are many reasons why victims don’t report domestic and family violence including:
- fear of more violence
- feelings of shame
- thinking that they will not be believed
- fear of being left homeless or with no financial security
- being isolated from children, family and friends
- loss of residence visa if on spouse visa
More information about domestic and family violence.
Safer Pathway (NSW Department of Communities and Justice)
For information about domestic violence legislation please visit the page on the Crimes (Domestic & Personal Violence) Act 2007.