Experiencing family and domestic violence can be devastating and isolating, but always remember you’re not alone and it is not your fault.
Family and domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, ages and circumstances. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that in Australia, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men have experienced partner or family violence since the age of 15.
Learn about experiencing family and domestic violence in Easy Read.
What to do if you are experiencing family and domestic violence
If you are concerned for your safety, help is available for you right now - you don't have to wait for an emergency to reach out. There are some steps you can take now to help you handle abuse, find support and look after your safety, at your own pace.
1. Start by talking to someone
Talking to someone is a good first step to get advice and support. You can talk to someone you trust such as a parent, sibling, friend, coworker, or your doctor. Try to stay connected with friends, family and support systems as much as possible.
There are free 24/7 helplines available. If you suspect your phone is being tracked or monitored, it might be safer to make calls from a friend’s phone.
- 1800RESPECT: a national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. Phone: 1800 737 732.
- Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia (including referrals to women’s refuges). Phone: 1800 007 339. *This helpline is operated by Department of Communities, and your call will be answered by a child protection worker. We are here to help.
- Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Phone: 1800 000 599. *This helpline is operated by Department of Communities, and your call will be answered by a child protection worker. We are here to help.
- Kids Helpline: provides free support and counselling (talking through problems) to people aged 5-25. Phone: 1800 55 1800.
- Concern for a child's wellbeing: If you are concerned about a child's wellbeing, please contact the Department of Communities Child Protection Central Intake Team on 1800 273 889. If you are calling outside of business hours, Crisis Care is available on 1800 199 008 and provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis. For more information about child protection, please visit Child protection.
Find more support services and helplines here:
Family and domestic violence helplines and support services
2. Plan for your safety
There are actions you can take to improve your own and your children’s safety. Whether you decide to remain in the relationship or leave, there are safety tips and resources available to support you. Read about the steps you can take to stay as safe as possible:
3. Report and apply for a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO)
What is FVRO?
A FVRO can be put in place to protect you from family violence. It makes it unlawfull for the person abusing you to do certain things based on your situation and needs. For example, it can require them to stay away from you, your home or workplace, and/or stop contacting you, among other protections. An FVRO is enforceable law.
There is no fee to apply for an FVRO. If you need an FVRO, the first step is to talk to one of the following:
- Your lawyer.
- Free support services offered by Legal Aid's Domestic Violence Legal Unit. Call Legal Aid's info line on 1300 650 579.
- Your local Magistrate's Court.
- Some specialist providers can also provide assistance in applying for a FVRO.
You can apply for an FVRO at your local Magistrates Court. A lawyer can offer legal advice and help with the application. The court’s Family Violence Service is available to assist you with court matters, safety concerns, and provide support and information. They can also refer you to other services.
In an emergency, call 000 immediately. If you need to report a breach of a FVRO, or require police attendance, please call 131 444.
Find more information on FVRO and how to apply.
4. Find safe places to stay
There are women’s refuges and accommodation services available to provide safe, supportive temporary housing in WA. Staying at a women’s refuge or shelter can give you the time to figure out your next steps.
Call the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline and a trained staff member will help you find a safe place and refer you to local support services.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339.
More advice and information
In the video below, Damian Green, CEO from Stopping Family Violence, explains the different types of support available.
Frequently asked questions
What support is available for children experiencing family and domestic violence?
If you're feeling unsafe, you might be scared that the abuse will get worse if you try to get help or try to leave. You might have fears that your children will be taken away from you, or that you will be prevented from seeing them.
Reporting the violence to the Police can help you to access services and support for you and your children. There are also family and domestic violence support services, who can give you advice, support and options, to help you create safety for you and your children.
Children and young people are recognised as victim-survivors in their own right.
Family and domestic violence does affect children, even if they don’t directly see or hear it. They can sense that something is wrong and may feel scared or powerless. They may try to protect you or even think it is their fault. It’s important to reassure them that the violence and abuse is not their fault.
You are not to blame, and you are not alone. It’s okay to ask for help. If your kids feel they need support and counselling, the Kids Helpline is open 24/7. It provides counselling and support for children and young people under the age of 25.
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800.
In Western Australia, it is mandatory for certain professionals to report if they believe a child is being sexually abused. Find out where you can go for help if you’re worried a child is unsafe.
If you are worried that a child or young person you know is being abused it is important to act. In an emergency, call Police on 000. If it's not an emergency, call Police on 131 444. Report suspected child abuse to the Child Protection Hotline on 1800 700 250 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
How can I protect my pets?
You might worry about leaving your beloved dog, cat, or other pet behind, especially if the refuge or safe place you’re going to doesn’t allow pets. This can make it harder to leave a family and domestic violence situation.
Some ways to help keep your pets safe are:
- Leaving your pet with someone you trust.
- Bringing your pet to a local vet, boarding facility or animal rescue group for safekeeping.
- Checking whether any nearby refuges allow pets.
- RSPCA’s Pets in Crisis program provides a free service to find a temporary home for pets whose owners are experiencing immediate family and domestic violence. This service is available via a referral from a caseworker only.
How can I access family and domestic violence leave?
All employees are entitled to ten days of paid family and domestic violence leave each year. This includes full-time, part-time and casual employees. The ten days are available as soon as you start a new job and reset each year on the anniversary of your start date.
Family and domestic violence leave is an entitlement for any employee experiencing family and domestic violence. You will need to speak with your employer to access family and domestic violence leave.
Find out more about this leave at:
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