Family violence
Family violence refers broadly to any form of violence, abuse or controlling behaviour within a family or family-like relationship. This might occur in a relationship with a spouse, domestic partner, relative or anyone you’re close with.
In an abusive relationship, a person may experience more than one type of family violence, such as:
- physical abuse
- controlling or dominating behaviour
- spiritual or religious abuse
- stalking
- emotional or psychological abuse
- intimidation or threats
- verbal abuse
- financial abuse
- social abuse
- sexual abuse
- reproductive coercion
- damage to property
- abuses or threatens to abuse pets.
What to do
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call:
- Monash Security on 03 9905 3333 (for immediate help on campus)
- 000 (for immediate help on or off campus).
Contact the Safer Community Unit to speak to a Family Violence Contact Officer – they’re experienced in family violence and privacy issues, and are also LGBTIQA+ Allies.
Getting support
If you’re experiencing family violence or helping someone in this situation, you may need support.
The Safer Community Unit can give you confidential advice and assistance tailored to your particular situation – including flexible study arrangements, safety measures and referrals to specialist support services.
- Phone: +61 3 9905 1599
- Email: safercommunity@monash.edu
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
For more information, see our Family Violence Support Procedure (pdf, 0.33 mb) and getting help and support.
Counselling
The Monash Counselling Services provides confidential counselling support for students and staff, you can book an appointment or access 24/7 phone support:
- In-person or Telehealth: (03) 9905 3020
- 24/7 counselling: 1300 STUDENT (1300 788 336)
We recognise that if you’re experiencing family violence (or helping someone in this situation), it may affect your attendance or performance at work and you may need support.
The Safer Community Unit can give you confidential advice and assistance tailored to your particular situation – including accessing family violence leave and flexible work arrangements, safety measures and referrals to specialist support services.
For more information, see our Family Violence Support Procedure (pdf, 0.33 mb).
You can also access the Employee Assistance Program and Monash counselling services:
- In-person or Telehealth: (03) 9905 3020
- 24/7 counselling: 1300 360 364
Family violence in the LGBTIQA+ community
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More help and advice
- Family Violence Support Procedure (pdf, 0.33 mb).
- Family violence information sheet (pdf, 0.12 mb): Read about what family violence is, what you can do about it and where you can go for help and support.
- Family violence information booklet (pdf, 7.82 mb): Find out more about your reporting options (to the police or to Monash), family violence support services, and what to do if you know someone who’s experienced it.
- Victoria Police: Report family violence for investigation (find your local station).
- Magistrates' Court: Apply for a family violence intervention order at the Magistrates’ Court.
- Say It Out Loud: LGBTIQA+ focused information on healthy relationships and sexual, domestic and family violence.
External support services
- 1800 Respect: 24-hour confidential counselling and support for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse.
- South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (SECASA): Therapeutic counselling and support to victim-survivors of sexual assault or family violence.
- Safe Steps: 24/7 phone line any time of the day or night to speak with family violence specialists who will support victim-survivors to find safety from domestic abuse.
- Men’s Line: Free professional 24/7 online counselling support for men experiencing family violence.
- QLife: Anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia.
- The Orange Door: Specialist family violence services for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence across Victoria (find your local Orange Door).
- Rainbow Door: LGBTIQA+ family violence support.
- Thorne Harbour Health: Counselling support for LGBTIQA+ as well as Family Violence Flexible Support Packages for those who are considering leaving or have recently left a relationship violence circumstance.
- inTouch: Specialises in working with migrant and refugee women who have experienced family violence and require culturally-specific services to ensure their safety and assist them on their journey to recovery.
- Djirra: Support for Aboriginal women and their children who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past and are still not safe.