The Facts

In Review

Domestic and family violence (DFV)

DFV includes any behaviour, in an intimate or family relationship, which is violent, threatening, coercive or controlling, causing a person to live in fear and to be made to do things against their will. DFV can happen to anyone and can take many forms.

It is often part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviours, and includes:

verbal abuse – psychological abuse – emotional abuse – financial abuse – physical abuse – sexual abuse – harassment and stalking – spiritual or religious abuse – reproductive abuse – image-based abuse.

Homelessness

Upon presentation at homelessness services, almost two third (66%) of the unassisted requests were from females (2018–19).
There are only 1,550 beds available for women in NSW alone on any one night, with over 15,000 reported homeless (2018).
Upon presentation at homelessness services, almost two third (66%) of the unassisted requests were from females (2018–19).
Structural changes in 2015 forced the majority of women’s shelters (shelters that cater exclusively for female victims of domestic abuse and their children, established since the 1970s) to close unless they welcomed all types of homeless people.

Cost to Government & Society

Developing a better understanding of trends in violence against women and their children is crucial to increasing awareness of its impacts and to creating solution.

There is a ‘hidden’ aspect of violence against women and their children where victims do not report their experiences to the police, other authorities, service providers, or family and friends.

Understanding the prevalence and incidence of violence, as well as opportunities to further refine and extend methodological approaches to estimating the cost of violence will be important to support evidence based policy decisions.

Domestic & Family Violence

1800 Respect national helpline 1800 737 732
Women’s Crisis Line 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24 hour crisis line) 131 114
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
Domestic Violence Line (NSW)
Women’s Safety NSW
Women’s Services Network (WESNET)

Homelessness

The United Nations has developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals to transform the world and relate to the social, environmental and welfare outcomes of projects and developments.

The Equanimity Project Australia proudly meets over 50% of the 17:

1: No Poverty – 3: Good Health and Well-being – 4: Quality Education – 5: Gender Equality – 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – 10: Reduced Inequality – 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions – 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal.

Learn More

If you see something, should you say something?

As a member of your local community, and an essential part of Australian society, what are you responsible for in keeping your family, friends, neighbours and general community safe.

More and more society need to be part of the solution, especially when it comes to domestic & family violence (DFV) and homelessness.

In regard to DFV, you may not know the correct steps to take. Here are some links that may help you make the right decision.