People often think of domestic violence as men being physically violent towards their wives or partners. Although this is usually the case, domestic violence can take a range of forms and can happen to anyone, both male and female, in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence includes physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse, stalking and intimidation, social and geographic isolation, financial abuse, cruelty to pets or damage to property or threats to be violent in these ways.

You don’t have to be in a sexual relationship with your housemate to be considered a victim of domestic violence. Under the law, you are considered to have a domestic relationship with another person if you are both living in the same household or residential facility. This includes your housemates.

If you are afraid for your safety at any time, call the police immediately. If they seem reluctant to assist you, ask to speak to the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at the police station.

Quick Links:

• Getting an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
• Scenario 1: You want to leave
• Scenario 2: You want to stay and you have a final AVO
• Scenario 3: You want to stay and you don’t have a final AVO