About domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence is any behaviour that harms, controls or scares a partner, ex-partner or family member, including children. It can also happen in shared housing between people who are not related.
Domestic and family violence can affect anyone in the community, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age, location, cultural background, religion, disability or financial situation.
In Western Sydney LHD, the Integrated Violence Prevention & Response Service (IVPRS) team oversee the delivery of protection support services, with a focus on early support, intervention and recovery to help individuals and families create safe and nurturing environments.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse is any assault on the body or threat of assault. It can include punching, pushing, kicking, slapping, strangulation or choking. If you have been strangled or choked please seek medical attention as soon as you can.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse involves non-physical behaviour that intimidates, controls or harms your dignity and sense of value.
Examples include:
- using threats, gestures or looks to make you feel afraid
- smashing things or damaging your belongings
- using put-downs or name-calling
- making you feel ashamed, confused or crazy
- embarrassing you in front of other people
- threatening to harm you, your children, pets or other family members
- threatening to report you to agencies such as the police, child protection or immigration.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse happens when someone controls your access to money. Examples include:
- not giving you enough money for essentials such as food, clothing or petrol
- forcing you to ask for money
- taking your money
- stopping you from earning money, including preventing you from getting or keeping a job.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is any forced or unwanted sexual activity. It can include forcing someone to watch sexual material against their will.
Children who live with domestic and family violence are at higher risk of harm. They may develop emotional, social, mental health or learning difficulties.
Children can be physically injured by the violent person or accidentally hurt during violent behaviour. Many children try to protect the parent who is being harmed, which increases their risk.
Learn more about child protection support in Western Sydney.
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, or you are concerned about someone else, you can speak to your health worker and ask for a referral to social work.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Learn more about our social work services and women's social work services in Western Sydney.
Domestic Violence Counselling Service
We provide free specialist counselling for people affected by domestic violence.
Our counsellors support people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We work with you to understand your needs and goals, and to help you rebuild safety, confidence and control in your life.
Our team includes psychologists, social workers and counsellors with expertise in trauma and domestic violence. This service supports adults affected by domestic violence.
- advocacy, information and referrals to other services
- access to a forensic medical service for documenting injuries for police or court
- ongoing counselling.
Counselling can support you to understand your experiences and work towards living a life free from violence. Areas we may focus on include:
- risk assessment and safety planning
- the use of power and control in relationships
- building healthy relationships
- understanding emotional responses, stress triggers and ways of coping
- effective communication and setting limits
- the impact of domestic violence on you and your children.
Call (02) 8890 7940 and ask for the Domestic Violence counsellor.
The service is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm.
After you contact us, we will get in touch and arrange your first meeting once a counsellor has been allocated.
Support services
There are organisations that can assist you. In this section, we have provided the contact details for organisations that provide support and counselling services.
| Name of Agency | Contact |
|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Helpline Domestic Violence information and counselling and advice |
|
| 1800Respect Domestic Violence information and counselling and advice | 1800 737 732 (24-hour support) |
| Cumberland Women's Health Centre Domestic Violence - Counselling |
|
| Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre Domestic Violence - Counselling |
|
| Parramatta Holroyd Family Support Domestic Violence - Counselling |
|
| ACON’s Lesbian & Gay Anti-Violence Project LGBTIQ Domestic Violence counselling referral and support for persons experiencing abuse within a same-sex relationship |
Monday to Friday - 10am to 6pm) |
| Domestic Violence Legal Service (DVLS) Domestic Violence - Legal |
Monday and Thursday - 1:30pm to 4:30pm Tuesday and Friday - 9:30am to 12:30pm) |
Provides free confidential legal information and referral for women in NSW, with focus on family law, domestic violence sexual assault and discrimination |
Monday and Thursday - 9:30am to 12:30pm Tuesday - 1:30pm to 4:30pm |
| Indigenous women legal contact line Free confidential legal advice and referrals for domestic violence sexual assault, family law, discrimination, victims support for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in NSW | Phone: 1800 639 784 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 10am to 12.30pm |
| Domestic Violence - Legal Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program |
|
| Immigration Advice and Rights Centre Domestic Violence – Legal/Immigration | Phone: (02) 9262 3833 Tuesday and Thursday - 2pm to 6am |
| Safe Beds for Pets (RSPCA) Domestic Violence - Pets | Phone: (02) 9782 4408 |
| MensLine Australia 24-hour support information and referral service. Helping men deal with relationship problems | Phone: 1300 789 978 |
| Family violence service | Phone: 02 8867 4900 |