I have a violent partner. What can I do?

Being in a violent relationship is soul-destroying and the trauma it causes can affect your ability to cope with daily life. It is important to get help quickly. Violence is NEVER an acceptable way to deal with problems in a relationship. It is a sign that a relationship is in trouble. Without help, the violence is likely to get worse or happen more often.

There is help available. Firstly, you need to find out about the legal and non-legal options available to you to guarantee your own safety (and the safety of your children, if you have any). The next task is to begin the process of understanding how you came to be in a violent relationship. Then you can explore what are the available options that you can use to resolve this situation. To do this, you will need support from both friends and professionals.

Relationships Australia offers a comprehensive range of counselling programs designed to address family violence. In New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria or Western Australia, these programs can be accessed through a specialist service called Family Violence Prevention.

Family Violence Prevention Services

If you are a woman who has been abused by your partner, help is available. Relationships Australia offers individual assistance and a support group for women who have been abused by their partners.

While women are statistically far more likely to to be subjected to domestic violence, some men may also become victims of violence in the home. If you are a man who is experiencing domestic abuse, Relationships Australia can help with counselling and support services.

If you are a man who has been violent or abusive to your partner or children, you can get help to change your behaviour. Relationships Australia offers individual assistance and a group for men to help them understand and change their violent behaviour.

• have been subjected to or witnessed violence within their parent's relationship
• have been sexually abused within their family.

More information on Family Violence Prevention Services.