4. Domestic Violence & Family Breakdown
Homelessness and Domestic Violence
The relationship between domestic violence, family breakdown and abuse with the issue of homelessness is a complex one. Adults and children may be very traumatised by such experiences. There may be a range of short term effects and longer term effects.
People leaving a home because of domestic violence may find themselves homeless. In fact, the notion of becoming homeless may sometimes prevent people from leaving a violent home situation. However, help is available for people to leave violent situations. In NSW there are a number of domestic violence refuges. There may also be other suitable options.
| Those experiencing domestic violence can contact the DV Line on 1800 65 64 63 from anywhere in NSW, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for assistance to leave and find suitable accommodation. If someone urgently requires assistance contact the police on 000. |
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is a complex crime as the perpetrator is known to the victim, often in a close relationship, sharing a home and family.
Domestic violence can take many forms including:
- physical abuse
- threats of violence
- imbalance of power
- verbal abuse
- sexual abuse
- child abuse
- social isolation
- stalking
- psychological and emotional abuse
- cultural abuse
- financial abuse
Definition of a Domestic Relationship
The NSW Police define a domestic relationship as:
- A person who is or has been married.
- A person who has had or has a de facto relationship.
- A person who is or has been a relative.
- A person who has or has had an intimate personal relationship. (does not have to be a sexual relationship)
- A person who is living or has lived in the same household. (including tenant or boarder)
- A relationship involving dependence on the ongoing paid or unpaid care of a person.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a general term that is used to describe a number of sexual crimes. This includes sexual abuse, indecent assault, incest, rape, molestation and child sexual assault. A sexual assault is when a person forces you to have sexual contact of any kind against your will.
Marriage, de facto and intimate relationships do not give one partner the right to force the other into any sexual activity. If you are sexually assaulted, the other person may be arrested and charged.
Sexual offences are more likely to be committed by someone you know such as family members and friends.
Consent
If a person wants to have sexual contact with you they must have consent. Consent means that you have agreed to sexual contact without pressure. You have the right to change your mind.
What is Child Abuse?
There are different forms of child abuse. These include neglect, sexual, physical and emotional abuse. In NSW you can report concerns about child abuse to the NSW Department of Community Services on 132 111.
Mandatory reporters MUST report neglect or abuse to DOCS.
Neglect
Child neglect is the continued failure by a parent or caregiver to provide a child with the basic things needed for his or her proper growth and development, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical and dental care and adequate supervision.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is when someone involves a child or young person in a sexual activity by using their power over them or taking advantage of their trust.
Often children are bribed or threatened physically and psychologically to make them participate in the activity.
Child sexual abuse is a crime.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse is a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child caused by a parent, caregiver or any other person.
It includes but is not limited to injuries which are caused by excessive discipline, severe beatings or shakings, cigarette burns, attempted strangulation and female genital mutilation.
Injuries include bruising, lacerations or welts, burns, fractures or dislocation of joints.
Hitting a child around the head or neck and/or using a stick, belt or other object to discipline or punishing a child (in a non-trivial way) is a crime.
Psychological abuse or harm
Serious psychological harm can occur where the behaviour of their parent or caregiver damages the confidence and self esteem of the child or young person, resulting in serious emotional deprivation or trauma.
Although it is possible for ‘one-off’ incidents to cause serious harm, in general it is the frequency, persistence and duration of the parental or carer behaviour that is instrumental in defining the consequences for the child.
This can include a range of behaviours such as excessive criticism, withholding affection, exposure to domestic violence, intimidation or threatening behaviour.
Website Links
- NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS)
- Domestic Violence in Gay and Lesbian Relationships - Another Closet
- Inner City Legal Centre
- Kid's Help Line
- Domestic Violence Advocacy Service
- Women’s Legal Services (WLS) NSW
- Immigrant Women's Speakout Association
- Law Access NSW
- DoCS Domestic Violence Line
- NSW Rape Crisis Centre
