My partner doesn’t hit me – am I being abused?

Domestic and family violence doesn’t always involve physical violence. An abusive relationship might be:

• Physical: This could be punching, slapping, shaking, or hitting with an object. It could also include restricting movements and disabling mobility devices or withholding items like food, medicine, hand wash, and sanitiser.
• Financial: This involves controlling how someone spends their money, forbidding them from working, or limiting the amount of petrol in the car. 
• Emotional and/or psychological: This might include using COVID-19 to control or frighten someone, or using it as an excuse for violent behaviour. It can also be putdowns and insults, jokes at someone’s expense, disrespectful language, manipulation, and withholding affection.
• Sexual: This might involve physical abuse such as rape and forced acts, or telling someone they’re only good for sex.
• Technological: This could involve using technology to control, embarrass, or degrade someone, or monitoring someone’s communication on their phone or online without their knowledge.
• Spiritual: This includes disrespecting someone’s religion or not letting them practise their religion.

There are many forms of abuse, and none of them are acceptable at any time.

You can read more about the different types of domestic and family violence in this article from Family Violence Law Help.

If you believe you or your children are in immediate danger, please contact the police in your State on 000.

If you or your children are feeling unsafe or experiencing domestic or family violence, you can access information, counselling and support through the 1800RESPECT website or call 1800 737 732. 1800RESPECT are open 24 hours a day during COVID-19.