When experiencing DFV (domestic and family violence) you may:
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Put yourself at risk by trying to stop the abuse
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Copy the abusive behaviour
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Feel fearful, nervous, guilty or depressed
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Not perform as well as usual at school, uni or work
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Want to run away or leave home
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Want to use drugs or alcohol
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Develop an eating disorder
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Avoid spending time with your friends
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Experience restless sleep or start having nightmares
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Worry about the safety of your family.
Above information referenced directly from the Queensland Government - https://www.qld.gov.au/youth/support-services/young-people-domestic-family-violence
YOU ARE NOT ALONE...
Kids of Purple is a non-for-profit project with a vision to provide young people effected by domestic and family violence an easily accessible way to seek support. We understand the challenges of dealing with domestic and family violence and believe that if we can help just one young person, we can make a difference in ending this cycle.
"We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence."
The Australian Human Rights Commission
What are my rights as a child?
The government has a responsibility to "protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse​" (Article 19).
International Convention on the Rights of the Child
What are my rights as a child?
The government has a responsibility to "protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse​"
(ICRC Article 19).
"We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence."
The Australian Human Rights Commission
"We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence."
The Australian Human Rights Commission
What is the difference between domestic and family violence?
Domestic violence typically refers to abuse in an intimate partner relationship (a relationship where two people are dating, partners or married).
Family violence covers a wider spectrum of abusive behaviours within a family context (this includes when children witness domestic violence in the home, sibling abuse, parental abuse etc).
"We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence."
The Australian Human Rights Commission
What are my rights as a child?
The government has a responsibility to "protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse​" (Article 19).
International Convention on the Rights of the Child
"We all have a right to feel safe and respected. We all have a right to live our lives free from violence."
The Australian Human Rights Commission
PHYSICAL ABUSE
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Direct assault on the body
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Hitting
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Punching
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Slapping
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Kicking
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Pushing
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Throwing objects at body
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Using weapons
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Reckless driving
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Choking
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
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Name-calling
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Constant negative criticism
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Guilt-tripping
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Blackmailing
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Humiliating partner
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Belittling
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Threatening partner
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Rejecting ideas/thoughts constantly
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Gaslighting
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Bullying
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Deliberately embarrassing partner
SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL ABUSE
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Taking over bank accounts
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Isolating from friends/family
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Spreading false rumours
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Preventing socialisation
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Controlling who partner can see
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Preventing partner from working
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Sharing lies about partner
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Controlling social media
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Stopping contact with family
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Withholding financial support
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Destroying or stealing property
Frequently asked questions about the law
"Behaviours expressed through domestic abuse are considered criminal offences and are therefore punishable by law. These include assault, sexual assault, making threats about a person’s safety or life of their children, animals and loved ones, stalking, financial abuse, stealing or damaging of property and breaching restraining orders" (YourToolkit.com)
Is domestic violence a crime?
"Under section 4AB of the Family Law Act, a child is exposed to family violence if the child sees or hears family violence or otherwise experiences the effects of family violence" (FCFC).
What does the law say about child safety and domestic violence?
Whilst every scenario is different, Police will consider the risk of the offender and the safety of those involved. If the offender is a serious threat, it is likely they will be taken into Police custody. Every circumstance is different however, and due to the high rates of domestic violence, Police resources may be limited in various locations.