The Eastern Region Domestic Violence Services Network Inc., also known as Koolkuna, an Aboriginal term meaning safe place, is a not-for-profit organisation and has been providing crisis accommodation and support services to individuals affected by and living with domestic violence in Perth for the past 27 years.
Family and domestic violence is described as any behaviour that is violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe.
Family and domestic violence isn’t always physical. It can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their age, gender or sexual orientation. It can happen anywhere, including at home or at work.
If you are experiencing family and domestic violence it may cause you to live in fear for yourself and your family. This can happen even when you have left a violent relationship.
Types of family and domestic violence can include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual assault
- Verbal abuse
- Psychological/emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Technology-facilitated abuse – using technology to stalk, track or harass someone
- Social abuse – isolating someone from their friends and family
- Spiritual abuse – stopping someone from practicing their religion.
At times abuse can be difficult to recognise. Whilst physical violence and abuse may be the most visible form, other forms such as sexual, emotional, social, spiritual and economic abuse can be equally harmful.
Some examples of abuse may include:
- Chasing, stalking, kidnapping.
- Forcing a person to sit, stand or lay down.
- Pushing, shoving, tripping up.
- Punching, choking, biting.
- You’re held accountable for the money you’ve spent. Your partner may ask you for receipts;
- You’re ‘kept in the dark’ about your family’s income.
- You’re stopped from contacting family, friends or support services.
- You must tell your partner where you’re going, where you’ve been, who you’re seeing, or who you’ve seen.
- Your location is monitored by phone calls or text messages. Your car odometer might be checked.
- Being frequently criticised, humiliated or undermined.
- Feeling doubt, confusion or uncertainty. You may feel like you’re going ‘crazy’.
- Being afraid of your partner.
There are many ways in which family and domestic violence may be affecting you. Some of the impacts may be seen through:
Physical health effects
- Bruises
- Bruises on or around the eyes
- Red or purple marks at the neck
- Sprained or broken wrists
- Chronic fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Involuntary shaking
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Sexual dysfunction
- Menstrual cycle or fertility issues in women
Mental health effects:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts
- Depression, including prolonged sadness
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem and questioning sense of self
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, contact the Lifeline on 13 11 14
Family and domestic violence has mental and physical effects.
It can also be seen in other ways including:
Work
Experiencing family and domestic violence can have impacts on your ability to work. Many women experience difficulties remaining in the workforce or working to the best of their ability in terms of performance, productivity and attendance.
Home
You may be forced to leave your home due to family and domestic violence. Many women are forced to leave their home for safety reasons.
Children
You may stay with an abusive partner for fear of losing your children. As described above, domestic violence can have significant impacts on children. There are many supports available for you and your children if you choose to leave an abusive partner.
Financial impacts
You may stay in an abusive relationship for due to financial support for you and/or your family. There are financial governments supports for those escaping family and domestic violence.