Domestic violence can affect anyone in the community.
Domestic violence is when someone uses violence or manipulation to maintain power and control over someone they’re close to. This form of violence not only harms individuals but also impacts entire families and communities, often leaving lasting psychological and social scars.
Family and domestic violence is always the fault of the person causing the abuse. It’s never the fault of the person experiencing abusive behaviour. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family-based violence, help is available. Reach out to friends, family, your GP or local support services for confidential assistance and guidance.
16 Days in WA runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day) each year.
In Western Australia, 16 Days in WA aims to raise awareness, motivate positive action and highlight organisations, agencies, communities and individuals taking action to end violence against women.
We all have a part to play in stopping family and domestic violence. To learn more about how to play your part during the 16 Days in WA, visit the link below.
Physical Warning Signs
Some injuries can indicate abuse, especially if they’re repeated or unexplained. Look out for:
- Frequent bruises, scratches, burns or sprains
- Injuries with unlikely or changing explanations
- Someone who often says they’re “clumsy” or “accident-prone”
Behavioural and Emotional Signs
You might notice someone:
- Seems unusually quiet, anxious, or fearful around their partner
- Avoids friends, family, or social activities
- Is constantly checked up on or needs to “ask permission” for things
- Is criticised, humiliated, or controlled by their partner
- Has a partner who shows jealousy or anger easily
- Has children who appear scared, withdrawn, or nervous
Abuse can also take other forms, including emotional, sexual, financial, cultural, or spiritual. You might notice someone’s partner:
- Stops them from seeing friends or family
- Controls their money or access to resources
- Puts them down, gaslights, or makes them feel “crazy”
- Monitors their phone, social media, or whereabouts
- Makes threats, sets strict rules, or uses fear to control them
1800RESPECT - Domestic abuse hotline as well as online resources and information.
- Web: 1800respect.org.au
- Phone: 1800 737 732
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline - Provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
- Phone: 1800 007 339
Centre for Women's Safety & Wellbeing - Provides assistance in finding family and domestic violence services.
Men's Domestic Violence Helpline - Provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
- Phone: 1800 000 599
MensLine Australia - 24/7 support for men and boys dealing with family and relationship difficulties. Support for men who are concerned that their behaviour is hurting the people they care about.
- Web: mensline.org.au
- Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Sexual Assault Resource Centre - Provides a range of free services to people affected by sexual violence.
- Web: kemh.health.wa.gov.au/sarc
- Phone: 6458 1828
- Crisis Line: 1800 199 888
White Ribbon Australia - Not Perfect, Better campaign aims to shift the way men view domestic violence.
Sports is an integral part of Australian culture. As a result, clubs and teams can play a significant role in the prevention of domestic violence and violence against women in Australia.
The RRSRP is an evidence-based program to promote and foster respect, equality, and inclusion. It supports State Sporting Associations, sport and recreational youth-based organisations, and regional local governments by building their capacity to promote respect, inclusion, safety, and gender equality, with the longer-term aim to create the cultural change required to prevent gender-based and family and domestic violence.
To learn more about the program, or register your interest, visit the link below.
Our Watch has developed a range of tools and resources to support sporting organisations address the gendered drivers and prevent violence against women.
The Equality and respect in sport implementation guide provides a step-by-step approach, and good practice examples of how your sporting organisation can work to prevent violence against women.
The Equality and respect in sport standards are what all sporting organisations should work towards. They focus on what you can do with your staff and your external stakeholders to address violence against women.
The Victorian Government's Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing gender-based violence guide acknowledges the enormous capacity of sport to influence positive attitudes and behaviours around gender equity and the prevention of gender-based violence. The guide provides 10 guiding principles, case studies and practical tools to support sporting associations, regional sports assemblies, women’s health and community health services, local councils, and other organisations work together to develop and implement prevention of gender-based violence projects in community sport settings.
Domestic violence, family violence and violence towards children are breaches of Rugby Australia's Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding policies. Individuals who engage in abusive behaviour may be found in breach of these policies and face disciplinary measures.
To report a Code of Conduct breach, click the link below.