The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a place for women to heal and rebuild their lives if they have or are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV).
Women supported by our services must have experienced or be experiencing DFSV.
We understand that for many recognising the signs of DFSV may not be straightforward. We have created this guide to help individuals learn more about the various forms of DFSV.
If you are still unsure about your current situation, please contact us for a private and confidential conversation with our team on 4243 9800 or email us to find out more.
If you need urgent assistance, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the Police on 000.
What is domestic, family and sexual violence?
Domestic and family violence is a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can occur in a range of relationships, including couples who are married, living together or dating. It can also include children, other relatives or any other household member.
Some examples of domestic, family and sexual violence include :
- Emotional abuse – constant criticism, tries to isolate you from family and friends, punishes you by withholding affection and humiliation.
- Sexual abuse – forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent.
- Psychological abuse – Causes fear by intimidation, threats to physically harm self, partner or children, or forces social isolation
- Verbal abuse – yelling, belittling or name-calling
- Financial abuse – controlling money or limiting access to work or income
- Physical abuse – hitting, pushing or any form of physical harm
- Tech abuse – monitoring someone through their phone or online accounts
For many women, these behaviours occur gradually and repeatedly, making it hard to recognise what’s happening – or to leave safely.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any sexual act done without consent. This includes:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Being pressured or coerced into sex
- Sexual harassment
- Sharing sexual images without permission
It can happen in relationships, families, workplaces or social settings. And too often, it goes unreported due to fear, shame or not being believed.
Recognising the signs of DFSV
Every situation is unique, but there are some common factors in relationships that might indicate unhealthy behaviour. The list of questions below from the United Nations may help you recognise unhealthy behaviour in a relationship.
We know talking to someone else about your personal life can be hard, but if you are concerned about any of your answers to the questions below, please get in touch for a private, confidential, and nonjudgmental conversation with our team.
Does your partner…
- Embarrass or make fun of you in front of your friends or family?
- Put down your accomplishments?
- Make you feel like you are unable to make decisions?
- Use intimidation or threats to gain compliance?
- Tell you that you are nothing without them?
- Treat you roughly—grab, push, pinch, shove or hit you?
- Call you several times a night or show up to make sure you are where you said you would be?
- Use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for saying hurtful things or abusing you?
- Blame you for how they feel or act?
- Pressure you sexually for things you aren’t ready for?
- Make you feel like there is “no way out” of the relationship?
- Prevent you from doing things you want – like spending time with friends or family?
- Try to keep you from leaving after a fight or leave you somewhere after a fight to “teach you a lesson”?
Do you…
- Sometimes feel scared of how your partner may behave?
- Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner’s behaviour?
- Believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself?
- Try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?
- Always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?
- Stay with your partner because you fear what your partner would do if you broke up?
Healing from trauma caused by DFSV
Many women experience long-term trauma, affecting their mental health, safety, housing and financial security as a result of DFSV.
At the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre we provide long-term, trauma-informed care to help women rebuild their lives.
Our model of care was co-designed with women who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence and it recognises the need for care to go beyond crisis intervention to address the long-term impact of trauma.
By investing in the safety, health, and healing of women, the Centre works toward breaking cycles of violence and abuse to prevent intergenerational transmission of trauma.
What next?
If you think you are or have been experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence you can self-refer to the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre by calling us or dropping into the Centre, or a GP, health provider or other community support provider can refer you if you are or have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence.
Please get in touch with us for a confidential conversation about your needs.
