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If you’re in immediate danger, please call Police on 000
For assistance, please call Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111
For phone support around your situation, please call our Domestic Violence Advocacy Service on 0439 970 721.

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Domestic and family violence support services for women and children.

If you need urgent help, call Crisis Care: (08) 9223 1111 or Country Freecall: 1800 199 008
If you’re in immediate danger call: POLICE 000
For non-emergencies call: POLICE 131 444

Reaching out for help and talking to someone can be difficult.

You may feel ashamed, overwhelmed or don’t know what to do or where to start? You may want to stay in the relationship but just want the abuse to stop?

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.

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I need help

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Keeping safe

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Help for someone you know

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What is Family and Domestic Violence?

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.
Is this happening to me?

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.
How this might be affecting me?

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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