Violence in relationships
Are you or someone else in immediate danger?
If you are in an emergency:
- Call the Police on 000
- For emergencies on campus, call University Security on 03 8344 6666 for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week help
See our emergencies page for more information about emergency services.
About violence in relationships
Being in a nurturing and supportive relationship with your partner or significant other is often very important to people. Unfortunately, there are times when some relationships can change rapidly; what was once a supportive relationship can change to an abusive one.
Abuse in relationships can occur on a variety of levels - physically, emotionally, financially and psychologically. The abuser normally wants to control their partner's behaviour in some way. Sometimes, physical force is used to get compliance; at other times, the abuse used is more subtle.
How to get help
If you believe that you are in an abusive relationship and you want to end the relationship, or simply want to work through the issues, help is available at Counselling and Psychological Services.
Anyone can become the subject of an abusive or destructive relationship, and it is important to remember that support is available to you regardless of your age, gender, sexuality, or other circumstance.
Leaving an abusive relationship often has added layers of complexity, with people often fearing for their safety if they did leave. This is often something that is hard to understand for those that aren’t actually in such a situation, but there are ways to manage these issues, and services that can help. Seeking help, or finding someone that can lead you to the help you need is an important step to improving your life situation.
For more information or support, you can contact Counselling and Psychological Services or explore the options below:
- 1800Respect - The national sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service. Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
- safe steps Family Violence Response Centre - Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service.
- What's Ok at Home? - Information to help people understand what family violence is, why it happens, how to recognise it, and how to help others who are experiencing it.
- No to Violence Men's Referral Service - A men's family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service. It is the central point of contact for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour.
- Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
- Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA)
- Djirra (Aboriginal family violence support)
- Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)