A call for help!

After a horrible couple of days hearing the tragic events that lead a mother and her three children to die in a car fire has obviously shaken and horrified the nation.

Unfortunately, Victoria Police still respond to a family violence related incidents every 7 minutes and yet it is still one of the most under-reported crimes. In the last 12months there have been over 90,000 family violence offences.

The law defines family violence as behaviour by a family member that creates fear and control over:

  • Their partner
  • Ex-partner
  • Other family members

Behaviours may include:

  • physical assault (eg. hitting, pushing, burning or choking, rough or neglectful care giving)
  • sexual violence (eg. being forced to perform sexual acts)
  • economic abuse (eg. withholding money, preventing a person from gaining employment, property damage, or dowry related abuse)
  • psychological and/or verbal abuse (such as threats, repeated put downs, name calling, sexist, racist, ageist, ablest or homophobic abuse)
  • causing a child to hear, see or be aware of violent acts (for example by hearing fights, seeing injuries or damage)

If you or a loved one believe to be experiencing family violence there are many avenues you can seek for help. Some helplines you can call are:

  • National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
  • Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 800 098 – 24 hour line
  • Safe steps: 1800 015 188

If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).