Family violence is the patterned use of violent, abusive, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour by someone against a family member(s), or someone with whom they have, or have had, an intimate relationship.

Evidence shows that family violence is a gendered crime, overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women and children. One in four women in Australia experience violence from an intimate male partner in their lifetimes.

In Australia, one woman is killed every week in the context of family violence.

While physical violence may be the most visible form of family violence, other tactics of abuse are often used to maintain power and control. Other types of violence may include:

• Making threats to harm or kill family members or pets

• Threatening to commit suicide

• Intimidation, including through looks, or by displaying weapons

• Emotional abuse

• Isolating someone, or controlling where someone goes or who they see

• someone to perform sexual acts, or not allowing them to say ‘no’

• Abusing children, or exposing them to abuse or the effects of abuse

• Abuse that targets a person’s disability or illness

• Property damage

• Abuse that targets a person’s religion or culture

• Financial abuse

• Forced marriage.

A safety plan is a plan of action for when the risk of harm begins to increase. At a minimum, it should include:

• Contact numbers for a family violence organisation (local, statewide and national)

• List of emergency contact numbers

• A safe place to go and a plan to get there

• Identifying a friend, family member or neighbour who can assist in an emergency, and how to contact them

• Identifying a way to get access to money in an emergency

• Identifying a way to access emergency personal care assistance and support if required

• Identifying a place to store valuables and important documents so they can be accessed when needed

• Eliminating the ability to be tracked via smart phone

• Addressing any barriers implementing the safety plan

• Any other tactics you are currently using to keep yourself safe

Access a free Safety Plan Booklet containing ideas and information that others have found useful when they have left a violent relationship. For safety planning information for people with intellectual disabilities, visit the Tell Someone website.

For more information about Safety Plans, visit the 1800 RESPECT website.

If you are concerned that someone may be tracking or monitoring your internet use, visit the SmartSafe website for technology safety tips and information.

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) protects a person from a family member who is using family violence. Find more advice about FVIOs here.