Taking community action

Preventing domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) in our communities is possible, and there are lots of ways we can stop this form of violence from happening in the first place.

From sharing resources and completing training to simply checking in with friends, or modelling healthy relationships, your actions can make a meaningful impact.

Simple actions that can help prevent violence

By consistently taking small, positive actions, we can change the conditions that allow and drive violence. We can challenge the behaviours and norms that excuse, justify or promote harmful actions.

You can start by having conversations with the people around you, modelling healthy behaviours, or creating a culture of respect and inclusion.

Here are some small, simple actions you can take to prevent violence in your community, workplaces or clubs.

Model respectful communication

Treat others with respect and kindness, listen with interest and have empathy for others. People—particularly children—learn from what they see and it’s important to set positive examples for those around you.

Challenge harmful attitudes, behaviours and jokes

If someone around you makes a ‘joke’ that belittles women, is sexist or disrespectful, gently call it out. Staying silent can normalise these harmful attitudes and behaviours that underpin violence in our communities.

Check in with friends, family and work colleagues

Asking open ended and simple questions—‘How are things going?’ or ‘You seem a little off—do you want to talk?’—can open a door for someone to share their thoughts, feelings or experience.

Believe people when they share their concerns or experiences

If someone tells you they feel unsafe in their relationships, or are experiencing violence, listen to them and believe them. Ask them what they need from you and let them know how you can support them, or where they can access information and pathways to support.

Know where people can access information and support about domestic and family violence

You don’t have to be an expert, however being able to point people to the Need to Know website for information and pathways to support can help guide someone else towards safety.

Model and talk about respectful relationships

Recognise and talk about relationships where people treat each other with kindness, respect, empathy and equality. Celebrating respectful relationships helps role model acceptable behaviours and ensures we’re setting positive examples for the people around us.

Respect boundaries, and encourage others to do the same

Healthy boundaries are important to building and sustaining, safe and positive relationships.

Boundaries are limits that organise behaviour and protect wellbeing. They can include:

• physical limits (personal space and body autonomy)
• emotional limits (sharing of feelings or expressing what they do or do not like)
• social limits (interacting with others and sharing of information).

Boundaries can help people manage their emotions and how they interact with others.

Talk to the young people in your life about consent, respect and body autonomy

Teaching children and young people about consent, respect and body autonomy can support lifelong habits and build confidence to respectfully and safely share their feelings with those around them.

Simple lessons like ‘Ask before you borrow’ or ‘No means no’ can help young people understand other people’s boundaries and foster mutual respect and trust.

It’s important to make sure children are not forced to show physical affection as this can undermine their bodily autonomy. Make sure they—and their family members—know it is okay if they don’t want to hug or kiss them.

Share accurate information

Myths or incorrect statements about domestic and family violence (DFV) and sexual violence can be dangerous or negatively affect people who have experienced violence or abuse.

If you hear myths or incorrect information like ‘violence only happens in certain families’, correct the statement firmly but respectfully. Factual information—based on modern research—reduces stigma and removes barriers for people to seek help, or report violence and abuse.

There are a range of resources available to help build awareness and understanding of the nature and impacts of coercive control and DFV in your communities.

Find more information and download resources about coercive control.

Stay connected to your community

Being part of a support network—at work, at school or within your local neighbourhood—can help people feel less alone and more empowered.

Social and physical isolation can increase the risk of experiencing DFV and can be a barrier to reporting or seeking help.

Learn to recognise the signs of controlling or harmful behaviours

Educate yourself on the signs of harmful or controlling behaviours.

If you think someone may be experiencing violence, or being isolated or monitored, you can check in with the person—if it is safe to do so—and direct them to the Need to Know website for information and pathways to support.

If you’re worried someone might be using violence in their relationships, free and confidential support is available.

Be mindful of personal safety—never put yourself in danger or do anything that doesn’t feel safe or appropriate for you. Look after your wellbeing and get support if needed.

Encourage gender equality at sporting and community clubs

Encourage local sporting and community clubs to provide equal access to facilities for women and children and ensure they feel safe participating in and supporting club activities. More fans and more community members attending club activities benefits everyone and reduces the risk of social isolation.

Understand workplace DFV policies

Know your workplace policies and procedures if someone is impacted by DFV.

If you think a colleague is experiencing DFV, let them know what support is available by directing them to the Need to Know website and talk to them about available workplace support, such as the 10 days’ paid DFV leave.

Check in if you notice worrying behaviour

If you notice someone’s behaviour is worrying towards their partner or family, and you feel safe to do so, check in and open the door to them sharing their thoughts and feelings. Be non-judgemental in your language but share what you’ve observed and be clear that the use of violence or control is never okay. It is important they know this type of behaviour is a choice that has lasting and negative consequences.

You can direct people to the Need to Know website to access free and confidential support if they are using, or are worried they may use, violence in their relationships.

Awareness initiatives

Show your support by accessing and downloading a range of resources below for the various awareness initiatives throughout the year.

Other ways to take action

• Take up the challenge to raise awareness about DFV.