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This website discusses domestic and family violence and coercive control.
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police if you are in a dangerous or life-threatening situation.
If you don't want to speak to the police you can also call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Find other support options
Effects of domestic and family violence on children
Children are considered victim survivors of domestic and family violence in their own right, as their experiences and the risks and impacts they face, are very different to those of their parents (as adult victim survivors).
Even if children are not there to witness or be directly involved in the violence or abuse (for example, they are hiding in their bedroom or another room), they can still be affected by the violence occurring. Children can also witness patterns of non-physical abuse and controlling behaviours, for example, a parent belittling, disregarding or threatening another parent, or limiting or controlling the –decisions, actions or choices of another parent.
Domestic and family violence can also include making threats about the custody of your children and saying that the police and courts will not believe you or help you or may take your children away from you.
Children cannot feel safe if they, a parent or another family member, is being hurt or abused by another parent. Domestic and family violence can affect the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of children, including impacting on their education, and social and emotional development.
Children may also feel sad, frightened or helpless. They may try to protect you, feel angry, blame you, or think the violence is their fault. In some cases, children who experience or are exposed to domestic and family violence may develop violent or abusive behaviours within their family relationships and/or later in their lives.
It is important to remember that this is not your fault. Violence, abuse and coercive control are never okay and it is always the sole responsibility of the person using domestic and family violence to change their behaviour.
What should I do if children are involved?
Who you can contact
If you, your children or someone you know are in immediate danger, please contact the police on Triple Zero (000). If you are in Queensland and the matter is not urgent you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or visit the Queensland Police Service website
You may also like to talk to a trusted friend or family member.
The following services are also available to help.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a national, free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
DVConnect Womensline
DVConnect Womensline is a statewide telephone service offering free professional and non-judgemental telephone support to women who are experiencing domestic or family violence. They can help women to obtain safe refuge accommodation, confidential counselling and referral to other services. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
1800 RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a national service providing confidential information, counselling and support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
DVConnect Mensline
DVConnect Mensline is a statewide telephone service offering free confidential counselling, referral and support to men affected by domestic and family violence. (9am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week)
Mens Line Australia
Mens Line Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men.
QLife
QLife is a free peer support and referral service for LGBTIQ+ people via telephone and webchat. They can be contacted between 3pm and 9pm, 7 days a week.
Family and child connect
Family and Child Connect is a local, community-based service that helps families to care for and protect their children at home by connecting them to the right services at the right time.
Family wellbeing services
Family Wellbeing Services provide confidential advice and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children of all ages.
How you can support children and young people
Having you or a trusted friend or family member in your child’s life who is warm, and caring will make a positive difference for your child.
You can:
- tell them that they are loved
- reassure them that the violence and/or abuse is not their fault
- help them identify some people they trust
- encourage them to talk about their worries and what they are experiencing with a trusted person
- talk to a teacher, principal or a school counsellor about your concerns or situation, if you feel safe to do so
- make sure they know how to call for help, including how to call the Police on Triple Zero (000) and how to give the address of their home
- make sure they know age-appropriate information about your family’s safety plan and the safe places they can go to
- make sure they know how to contact trusted friends or family members if they are feeling unsafe.
You can search for your nearest local service.
Remember, your safety and the safety of your children, are always the priority.