Family violence describes a broad range of violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviours most commonly used by men against their current or former female partners. Family violence can be perpetrated by:

• an adult in the context of an intimate same-sex relationship
• an adult towards an older person in a family, or family-like, relationship
• a carer to a person living with a disability or with complex needs
• an adolescent son or daughter towards a family member.

Anyone working in universal and allied services should have an understanding of what family violence is, how to recognise it and how to provide initial support and referral – even if responding to family violence is not a core function of their role.

This section is for workers in:

• Housing
• The police
• Legal services
• Courts
• Health
• Education
• Counselling
• Government services

 In this section you’ll find:         

• Information about family violence in Victoria – including statistics
• Resources to support you to respond to family violence
• Practical tips to manage your wellbeing

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