Family & Domestic Violence

Family & Domestic Violence

Relationships Australia WA is opposed to the use of violence in relationships and the exploitation or abuse of any person. While family and domestic violence can happen in many different family relationships, it is overwhelmingly women and children who experience violence, and men who use it.  

Relationships Australia WA has a long-standing history of commitment to providing services which support people affected by family and domestic violence. Based on best practice principles and guidelines, our programs have been developed for women who have experienced violence and children who have witnessed violence perpetrators of violence. Clinical staff in every program receive training about family and domestic violence and ongoing development to ensure appropriate supports occur. 

To access support for you and your family please call us on (08) 6164 0270.

For more information on family and domestic violence, including links to our services and downloadable resources please read on.

What is family and domestic violence? 

Family and domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour where one person tries to dominate and control the other.  These behaviours include but are not limited to physical violence, sexualised violence, emotional/psychological abuse, cultural abuse, spiritual abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, and financial abuse. Abusive behaviours can be direct or indirect, actual, or threatened. 

Family violence is a deliberate act and is rarely an isolated event. Over time, the violence tends to increase in frequency and severity. 


What is coercive control? 

Coercive control is almost always an underpinning dynamic of family and domestic violence. It involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time in a way that creates fear and removes a person’s freedom and independence. 

People who use coercive control can use many different types of abusive behaviours to exert power and dominance. Behaviours can be subtle, insidious, individually targeted and tailored to the victim-survivor. 


Are you experiencing family and domestic violence?  

If you are, you’re not alone. One in four Australian women has experienced violence and abuse by a current or former partner, and women are at least three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.  


Where to go for support? 

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000. For more information call 1800RESPECT or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au 

To access our services for you or your family, please call us on 6164 0270. 

Our Family and Domestic Violence programs are based on best practice principles and guidelines and are for perpetrators of violence, women who have experienced violence and children who have witnessed violence. Clinical staff in every program are trained about family and domestic violence to enable appropriate support to occur. 

Services Include: 


Useful Links and Resources

Safe from Violence: A guide for women leaving or separating

Quick Exit (ESC)