Domestic violence support
Everyone has a right to feel safe. Especially in their own home. But if your partner or someone else you live with uses power and control to intimidate you and give you fear, you could be experiencing domestic violence.
Domestic violence can involve a range of controlling behaviours, some of which may be harder to spot because they don’t involve obvious physical abuse.
Anglicare takes matters of domestic violence very seriously.
If you think you (or someone you love) could be experiencing domestic violence, or you have concerns for your safety, help is available. Contact Anglicare Counselling on 1300 651 728 to book your confidential appointment today.
Signs of domestic violence
Living with someone who is abusive and violent can feel like walking on eggshells. If you are unsure whether what you or your loved one is experiencing is domestic violence, here are some common signs.
- Your access to money is controlled, big financial decisions and purchases are made without you, or you have no say when it comes to household spending (financial abuse).
- Religious beliefs or scriptures are misused to punish or control you, or you are forced to act in a way that is traumatic to you because of your faith or cultural beliefs (spiritual abuse).
- You are told who you can see and when you can see them. You feel like you’ve been cut off from your friends, your family and your support network (social isolation).
- You are constantly belittled, criticised and blamed (verbal and emotional abuse). · You, your children or your pets are threatened with harm in order to control you (psychological abuse) .
- You constantly fear for your safety, because you’ve been hit, punched, choked, or injured by other violent behaviours in the past (physical abuses).
- You are forced to perform sexual acts or sexual acts take place without your consent (sexual abuse).
- Technology is used to stalk, harass or embarrass you (technology-facilitated abuse).
If you are living with domestic violence, it’s important that you remember that it is not your fault. Leaving a situation like this can be hard, especially when you are being controlled. You are not to blame for someone else’s behaviour.
The road to recovery from domestic abuse is not easy or straight-forward and there are many obstacles that can hinder your progress along the way. But if you want to begin that journey today, help is available for you.
Renew
An Australian Guide for Christian Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse. Constructive help, hope and encouragement as you seek to build a better life.
A free copy is available for survivors by contacting us at renew@anglicare.org.au
Before It Starts
Before It Starts is a free, four-week youth group program that focuses on building healthy relationships and preventing domestic abuse. This primary prevention program has been developed by Anglicare and Youthworks, with the goal of promoting safe and respectful relationships in our churches. This program provides an opportunity to reflect on beliefs, attitudes and behaviours from a biblical perspective. It explains different forms of abuse, provides guidance on how to recognise and respond to unhealthy relationships, suggests avenues for getting help and provides key information for leaders on how to respond to disclosures of abuse.
Supporting Recovery
Supporting recovery is a program providing access to ongoing, free trauma informed psychological therapies for people who have experienced family, domestic and sexual violence.
Supporting Recovery is open to anyone in South Western Sydney who has been impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence. The program welcomes people of all identities including First Nations peoples, people living with disability, members of LGBTQIA+ communities and people from multicultural communities.
Men’s behaviour change program
Are you concerned about your behaviour and the impact it is having on your family? It takes a great deal of strength to acknowledge that we are hurting the people we love. Anglicare can help you become the safe and supportive partner and father you really want to be.
REBUILD is an accredited men’s behaviour change program. It offers your family members a range of supports, as well as teaching you skills that will help you have healthy and safe relationships them… all in a supportive and caring environment.
REBUILD is a program for men who:
- have used abuse and control within their families
- are ready to take responsibility for their choice
- are ready to make a change for the better.
REBUILD is registered with NSW Department of Communities and Justice and is an accredited men’s behaviour change program. It is available at Anglicare’s Nowra, Ulladulla and Parramatta offices.
Talk to someone if you are experiencing domestic abuse
Support a loved one or church member experiencing domestic abuse
Take responsibility for your use of abuse
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.