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What family violence can look like
Family violence is not only physical. Any behaviour that is violent, threatening or coercive, or that makes you feel scared for your safety or the safety of your baby, children, or your family, can be considered family violence.
It can include:
- emotional abuse, such as insults, threats or control
- physical or sexual harm, such as hitting or choking
- controlling money or finances
- controlling or checking your phone and computer
- stopping you from seeing family, friends or health services
- pressuring or controlling decisions about pregnancy or contraception.
Family violence can happen in any relationship, including by:
- intimate partners or ex-partners
- carers or support workers
- family members and guardians.
Not sure if this applies to you?
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is family violence, you can learn more about Domestic and family violence | 1800RESPECT.
You may experience abuse for the first time or it may get worse while you are pregnant.
Pregnancy and early parenting can be times of increased risk of family violence starting or becoming worse due to changes in relationships, stress, or loss of control, however there is no excuse for family violence.
In Australia, around 1 in 7 women who experience partner violence say it happened during pregnancy.
Abuse is never okay. You, your baby and other children deserve to feel safe. It’s important for you, your baby and other children that you seek help and get support.
How family violence can harm you and your baby
Family violence is a risk to the health and safety of pregnant women and their families. It can affect:
- emotional wellbeing, such as increased risk of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in the mother
- physical health, such as increased risk of premature labour, lower birth weight, and miscarriage
- feelings of safety and trust.
Where to get safe, confidential support
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero 000 for emergency help (police and ambulance).
Sharing your experience, when and if you choose, can be a first step towards support and safety.
You do not have to feel ready to leave your situation to seek support and talk about what’s happening. Support can be offered in ways that ensure your safety and respect your privacy, culture and choices, regardless of where you are in the process.
Your maternity care provider or another trusted professional can help you access support during difficult or unsafe situations. This may include referrals to social workers, counsellors, or community services, information about your rights, help to find financial assistance, planning for safety and urgent assistance such as crisis accommodation if required.
You don’t need to bring anything with you and you can arrange a meeting in a safe location.
Find services and support
You can contact these services to talk through what’s happening and get help to plan next steps:
1800RESPECT
Confidential phone and online support for family and domestic violence.
The Orange Door (Victoria)
Local family violence support and referrals.
Other phone support:
- Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 for immediate support for anyone experiencing family and domestic violence, 24 hours, 7 days.
- 13YARN on 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support.
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 — available 24 hours a day
- Safe and Equal | Standing strong against family violence
- Family violence support for LGBTIQ+ communities | vic.gov.au
- Supporting people with disability | Safe and Equal
- Home - inTouch for migrant and refugee communities
Read information in your language
Find translated information about family and domestic violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led supports
Culturally safe support may be available through: