Helping someone stop their use of violence
It’s important to not turn a blind eye to domestic, family, and sexual violence. Victim/survivors need all members of the community to hold people who are using violence to account.
Below are some steps you can take to addressing domestic, family, and sexual violence in your community.
Speak out
When you hear jokes or comments that minimise or trivialise domestic, family, and sexual violence, or that condone sexism / rape culture, call them out. When society stops accepting these remarks the culture, attitudes, and social norms domestic, family and/or sexual violence will begin to change.
Hold people who use violence to account and be a role model
By challenging gender stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and treating everyone with respect, you can help create a culture in which domestic, family and/or sexual violence is less likely to occur. This is important to note as it highlights that as a society, we all need to our part to reduce domestic, family, and sexual violence in our communities, and it starts with being a role model and believing victim/survivors.
Educate yourself
Learn about the dynamics of domestic and family violence, the warning signs, and resources available to support survivors and challenge people who use violence. There are plenty of helpful resources out there that address domestic, family and sexual violence topics and supports.
Resources include:
- DVConnect – Supporting someone you know
- MATE – Motivating Action Through Empowerment
- LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation
- Building Access project – People with Disability Australia
- Safe and Equal – Advice for family and friends
- Queensland Government – Domestic and family violence resources
- Queensland Police Services – Domestic Violence Resources
- Queensland Centre for Domestic & Family Violence Research (QCDFVR)
Call us for free advice
At DVConnect we also provide support to those seeking information and strategies on how to address someone’s use of violence on others in a safe way. You can call DVConnect on 1800 600 636 for more information and advice.
Call 1800 600 636
Helping someone experiencing abuse
If you know or suspect that a friend, family member or colleague is experiencing domestic or family violence, you can help. Follow these simple steps to support them.
Believe them
Sometimes a person who has experienced abuse just needs you to listen and believe them as the first step to their seeking help, and that is enough.
Ask them what they need and how you can help
Be guided by your family member or friend on how you can help. Don’t jump into action unless they ask you to.
Stay in touch
Their support network is critical. If they become distant or withdrawn, it’s important to keep a line of communication open by letting them know you are here to talk whenever they need.
Share support services with them
Let them know that services like DVConnect can help and are free to access.
Don’t victim-blame
Avoid asking questions like “Why don’t you leave?” or “Your kids shouldn’t be exposed to this.” Leaving is one of the most dangerous times and the survivor knows better than anyone else how to keep themselves and their children safe.
Call us for free advice
You can call DVConnect on 1800 600 636 to get more information about how to support a loved one impacted by domestic and family violence.
The Be there app is a free domestic violence bystander app which gives you the tools to recognise abuse, validate what you are seeing, and help you to support someone without putting either of you in danger.
Click the image below to find out more.
When someone you know is using abuse
If someone you know is using abuse in their relationships, it is important to say something to them that lets them know that you have seen the behaviour and that you are not OK with it.
Call out harmful behaviours and challenge sexism and attitudes that promote violence against women so that the person knows it is not acceptable.
The Be there app is a free domestic violence bystander app which can give you the tools to safely call out abuse and help to end violence in our communities. Download it here.
