While domestic violence can look differently for each family, it often includes a pattern of behaviours intended to control or generate fear by one person (the perpetrator or respondent) against another (the victim or aggrieved). This behaviour can manifest in ways that are physical or non-physical.
The different forms of abuse can look like:
Physical abuse to a person: hitting, punching, shoving slapping, choking, using or pointing weapon;
Physical damage to property;
Psychological abuse such as emotional or verbal abuse, insults, offensive language and constant put-downs;
Social abuse such as preventing the victim from leaving the home, deliberate geographical isolation, controlling the use of the phone and restricting contact with family and friends;
Financial abuse such as restricting access to money or providing insufficient funds for necessities;
Sexual abuse such as non-consensual intercourse or sexual acts, including child sexual abuse where a parent or care giver involves a child in sexual activity;
Technology-facilitated abuse such as threatening or insulting text messages; or
Spiritual abuse such as not allowing a person to practise their religious or cultural beliefs.[1]
It is important to acknowledge that coercive control falls under the umbrella of domestic violence and describes a pattern of behaviours aimed at controlling an intimate partner and/or family members.[2] The effects of coercive control can be devastating and can include the loss of the victim’s autonomy, freedom and sense of trust for others.[3]
If you have experienced any of the above behaviours –
If you have experienced any of the above, we strongly advise that you contact the police or seek legal help as soon as possible. From there, it is likely that a protection order can be made by the Magistrates Court to protect you and your loved ones.
By successfully applying for a domestic violence order, the courts can enforce such an order to ensure that the respondent is legally bound to refrain from conducting any of the behaviours listed above against the aggrieved or a named person.
For more information, please visit our website: domestic violence
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