Domestic violence is a hidden problem in every community. It usually occurs in the privacy of a home, and many people living within violent relationships have difficulty recognising that their partner's behaviour constitutes domestic violence.

Domestic violence includes all violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour carried out by an adult partner against a partner or former partner to control or dominate that person. It can include physical or sexual assault, psychological intimidation and/or social and financial control.

Domestic violence causes injury or humiliation and often results in the victim living in fear of the perpetrator's behaviour. It also has a profound effect upon children and young people and constitutes a form of child abuse. It is most often violence or abuse by a man against a woman (95% of reports), although men may be even more likely than women to under-report violence directed against themselves.

If you are experiencing violence within a relationship, you deserve practical, legal and psychological support. If have been too scared to get help, you are not alone. See:

Some stats about reports.

The following services are available in the Wingecarribee district to help you secure safety from violence and find support: