Recognise and Act. You can make a change.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
If you think it’s happening to you or someone you know it’s important to know that there is help and support available.   

The first step to getting help is recognising the abuse.
If you are fearful of your partner, feel controlled and have feelings of desperation and helplessness, you may be in an unhealthy and abusive relationship. People often associate domestic violence with physical abuse, however, it is multifaceted. For instance, you can still be emotionally or psychologically abused without being battered and bruised. The psychological consequences of domestic violence and abuse are just as severe as the physical injuries you may or may not sustain(1).
For more information on how you can get help with recognition of domestic violence and other excellent resources including hotlines and specific information for women, men, teens, immigrants and for people in same sex relationships head to https://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Why do people stay in abusive relationships? With regards to women, if they are in an abusive relationship and are asked why they stay, they may be made to feel as though they are responsible for the abuse they experience. Reasons why women stay in abusive relationships are complex. Some women fear for their children or other family members if they were to leave, others feel responsible for their partner’s wellbeing despite the abuse they experience and some also have a deep sense of reliance on their partner. Women may even stay in these relationships based on their cultural experiences or upbringing, which has moulded their views towards abusive relationships (2).  Some people genuinely believe that staying in the relationship would be better for them than not having one at all (3).

If this sounds like you or someone you know then it’s time to act.

It may seem difficult to remove yourself from an abusive relationship, especially if you identify with some of the aforementioned reasons why women stay in relationships but its important to know that something can be done about it. You don’t have to experience the abuse any longer. There is a way out and there are many excellent resources to guide you through the process including https://www.leavingabuse.com/domestic_abuse/poa.html which offers step by step action on how to leave an abusive relationship as well as https://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm which offers other ways youcan remove yourself from danger. 

If you are in IMMEDIATE DANGER call 000

Here is a list of national hotlines you can call if you feel you are unsafe or would like more information:
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732): 24 hour, National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line
Lifeline  (24 hours) 131 114
Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78
Kids Help Line Freecall: 1800 551 800. E-mail and web counselling www.kidshelp.org

If you believe someone is in an abusive relationship, it may be difficult to approach the person about your suspicion. Visit
https://www.bethehero.com.au/index.php?id=13
for excellent tips on how to deal with a someone you feel is being abused including signs to look out for and a list of “Do’s” and “Don’ts”. 

1.         Melinda S, Jeanne S. Domestic Violence and Abuse - Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships Internet2014 [updated February 2014; cited 2014 24 March 2014]. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm.

2.         Compelling Reasons Women Stay 2014 [cited 2014 24 March 2014]. Available from: https://www.domesticabuseproject.com/get-educated/compelling-reasons-women-stay/.

3.         Pamela C, Leanne, L. Stay/leave decision-making processes in abusice dating relatinships. Personal Relationships. 1999;6:351-67.