How to Identify that You May be Experiencing Family Violence?
Are you questioning if some behaviours in your relationship are normal? Family violence also known as domestic violence often begins subtly, making it difficult to recognize when a relationship becomes harmful. Your priority is your safety and wellbeing; recognising these family violence signs is extremely important to identify early and seek professional support.
According to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), the definition of family violence ‘is any conduct that makes you fear for your or your family’s safety and wellbeing. It may be directed at you, your family, pets or property.’ There are different types of domestic and family violence, and it is unacceptable in any form.
Types of Domestic and Family Violence
This list gives examples of violence and abuse signs to identify and is not an exhaustive list.
Physical Abuse
These moves include any violent threat or behaviour towards you, your children, your family, your pets or your property.
For example, The person destroys your personal belongings or intimidates you with weapons. Further examples could be restricting you from basic needs, such as sleeping, eating, or taking necessary medication.
Verbal abuse or emotional abuse
This form of act can be subtle and build up over time. However, if you feel worthless or have been let down by the person, this can be considered as a type of family and domestic violence.
For example, being called insulting names or offensive names that are culturally inappropriate. Undermining you in front of your loved ones. Another common type is threatening to report you to the Department or deportation.
Social abuse
Be aware if the person starts to restricting you from meeting your family, friends or community. This form of action can be controlling and making you feel lesser.
For example, isolating you from your family or community. Not allowing you to attend events or programs. Lying to others about you. Tracking your movements and social interactions using devices and online platforms.
Financial abuse
Limiting your access to finances or using your own finances for their own purpose without your knowledge can be considered acts of domestic and family violence.
Please note that recently, there has been an update on the family violence regulation, which has been extended to include more visas. If you are questioning seeing alarming signs in your relationship, and if you are too scared to leave the relationship due to your visa status, reach out to our team for professional support and we can assist you.
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How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Speak to an Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers to assist you, as your safety and wellbeing should be your main focus. There is a way to continue your stay in Australia with Agape Henry Crux. Our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents specialises in handling highly complex matters. To seek professional advice, you may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
