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This website discusses domestic and family violence and coercive control.
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police if you are in a dangerous or life-threatening situation.
If you don't want to speak to the police you can also call DV Connect on 1800 811 811 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Find other support options
Effects of domestic and family violence on children
Children are victims of domestic and family violence in their own right. Even if they are not there to witness the violence or get yelled at, they hear and know what is happening even if they are hiding in their bedroom or another room. Children can also witness patterns of non-physical controlling behaviours, for example, a parent belittling, disregarding or limiting the freedom of another parent.
It can affect the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of children, including impacting on their education, and social and emotional development.
Sources:
- Toivonen C and Backhouse C (2018) National risk assessment principles for domestic and family violence (ANROWS Insights 07/2018)- external site opens in new window, ANROWS.
- Boxall H, Pooley K and Lawler S (2021) Do violent teens become violent adults? Links between juvenile and adult domestic and family violence- external site opens in new window, AIC (Australian Institute of Criminology).
Children cannot feel safe if one or both of their parents are being hurt. They might feel sad, frightened or helpless. They may try to protect you, feel angry, blame you, or think the violence is their fault.
It is important to remember that this is not your fault. Violence or abuse is never okay and is always the sole responsibility of the person perpetrating this violence to stop. Domestic violence can also include making threats about the custody of your children and saying that the police and courts will not believe you or help you.
What should I do if children are involved?
Who you can contact
If you, or someone you know including children, is in immediate danger, please contact the police on Triple Zero (000). If you are in Queensland and the matter is not urgent you can contact Policelink on 131 444 or visit the Queensland Police Service website
You may also like to talk to a trusted friend or family member.
If you or someone you know needs help, the following services are available to help.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a national, free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
DVConnect Womensline
DVConnect Womensline is a statewide telephone service offering free professional and non-judgemental telephone support to women who are experiencing domestic or family violence. They can help women to obtain safe refuge accommodation, confidential counselling and referral to other services. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
1800 RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a national service providing confidential information, counselling and support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
DVConnect Mensline
DVConnect Mensline is a statewide telephone service offering free confidential counselling, referral and support to men affected by domestic and family violence. (9am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week)
Mens Line Australia
Mens Line Australia is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men.
QLife
QLife is a free peer support and referral service for LGBTIQ+ people via telephone and webchat. They can be contacted between 3pm and 12am, 7 days a week.
Family and child connect
Family and Child Connect is a local, community-based service that helps families to care for and protect their children at home by connecting them to the right services at the right time.
Family wellbeing services
Family Wellbeing Services provide confidential advice and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children of all ages.
How you can support children and young people
Having you or a trusted family member in your child’s life who is warm, and caring will make a positive difference for your child.
You can:
- tell them that they are loved
- reassure them that the violence and/ or abuse is not their fault
- encourage them to talk about their worries and what they are experiencing with a trusted person
- talk to a teacher, principal or a school counsellor about your concerns.
If appropriate, there are things your children can do.
- make sure they know how to call for help, including how to call the Police on Triple Zero (000) and how to give the address of their home
- take yourself and your child to a safe place if necessary.
You can search for your nearest local service.
Remember, your safety is the priority.