Domestic violence and abuse

Most families have arguments and family members sometimes don’t get along. This is normal, but if an adult in your family is hurting, humiliating, threatening or frightening other people in your family then this could be domestic violence.

If you think that someone you care about is being hurt or you're scared or confused about things that are happening in your family you can take a quiz to help you work out what’s going on.

If you're a child or young person living in a house where there is domestic violence, remember:

• Don’t put yourself in any danger to try and protect someone else.
• It's not your fault. The only person who can be blamed for the violence is the person who is being violent.
• There are people who can help.

If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who uses violence, find out how to access support services and counselling.

Find out how you can support someone who is experiencing domestic and family violence.

Find out more about support for people who are experiencing abuse.

How domestic and family violence can make you feel

When faced with violence or abuse, you may feel:

• frightened or nervous
• guilty or ashamed
• confused or sad
• anxious or depressed
• sick, have headaches or stomach pain.

These feeling are a normal response to what is happening. They are a sign that you should get help. You may also:

• not want to eat
• not want to be with your friends
• not be sleeping well and sometimes have nightmares
• not want to do school work
• want to run away or leave home
• want to drink alcohol or take drugs
• begin to stutter or have trouble talking
• worry about the safety of your family.

What you can do

If you or someone else is getting hurt and you need help right away, phone Triple Zero (000). Ask for the police.

Living with violence and abuse is hard to deal with, but there may be some steps you can take to make the situation better.

Plan to keep yourself safe

• Who do you trust that you can talk to about what is happening in your home?
• Is there a safe place in the house you can go when the violence is happening?
• How can you quickly get out of the house if you need to?
• Is there a neighbour or friend who lives nearby where you can go? How will you get there?
• Are there people you will need to phone if you have to leave home quickly? Do you have those telephone numbers written down in a safe place or in your mobile?

Getting help

Help is always available. You can get help from:

• Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800. You can phone them any time of the day or week.
• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811. They help people who are experiencing domestic violence and children or other family members who are concerned about domestic and family violence.
• DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636. They help men who are affected by domestic violence and children or other family members who are concerned about domestic and family violence.
• someone you can trust like a relative, teacher or school guidance officer. Try to explain how you or your family has been hurt even though it may be hard to find the right words. If the person doesn't listen or doesn't believe you, tell someone else.

Learn how you can report all kinds of abuse whether it is happening to you or someone else.

More support

You can also get information and support form:

• eheadspace—offers confidential and free online and telephone support 24 hours a day.
• youthbeyondblue—helps with youth depression and anxiety issues.
• Reach Out—provides information to help young people to better cope with their lives.
• the Queensland-wide domestic violence and abuse directory.