Types of family and domestic violence

It can be threatening or controlling behaviour that makes you do or believe things you wouldn’t normally.

It can happen to anyone, including children, older Australians and people with disability.

Controlling behaviour

If someone prevents you from seeing or contacting people, leaving the house or doing activities that are important to you. It could also be forcing you to get a loan you don’t want, controlling what you wear, eat or even your medical care. This is also known as coercive control.

Psychological, emotional or mental abuse

This is behaviour that can cause emotional and psychological harm. It can be just as harmful as physical violence. It could be public humiliation, name calling, threats, put downs or gaslighting.

Sexual abuse

This can be any sexual activity that someone forces or pressures you into. It includes rape, harassment, unwanted attention, inappropriate touching, sexual threats, refusing to wear a condom, restricting your access to contraception or pressuring you not to take contraception.

Financial abuse

This could be if someone is monitoring what you spend money on, or restricting your access to money, your bank account, wages or pensions. It could also be not allowing you to get a job or forcing you to get a loan you don’t want.

Physical violence

This is direct assault to you, your children, family, friends, pets or property. It could involve slapping, punching, kicking, shaking or pushing. It could include the use of weapons or objects, and intimidation, such as punching walls and standing over you.

Technology facilitated abuse

This could be if someone is monitoring what you do online or on your phone. They could be monitoring where you are through spyware. It could also be someone using electronic communication to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate you.

Spiritual violence

If someone is forcing you to practise religion or not allowing you to be part of a religion or cultural group.

Find out more

If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing family and domestic violence, you may want to understand what a healthy relationship looks like. Find out more about healthy relationships on the 1800RESPECT website.

 Find out more about the types of family and domestic violence on the 1800RESPECT website.