What is Family Violence?

Family Violence is physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse including social isolation and threats.  It is when one person tries to control or hurt the other.  Family Violence has no age boundaries.   Family violence is a crime and is unacceptable.  It is not the fault of the victim. The perpetrator chooses to behave in this manner.

Facts and figures

Research suggests that Family Violence occurs in all socio-economic groups and cultures. In Victoria for each of the years 1999 to 2004 approximately 80% of victims were women and children and 20% were male. (Victorian Community Council Against Violence (2006) Victorian Family Violence Database, Five year report).

An understanding of implicit and explicit power within gender relations assists to explain one of the most obvious features of family violence, the fact that the overwhelming majority of offenders are male and the overwhelming majority of people abused are women and children.

It is important to remember that Family Violence is:

• A fundamental violation of a person's human rights
• Can include criminal Behaviour
• Is unacceptable in any community

Support Services contacts

Gippsland Women's Health Service does not provide a direct service to people experiencing family violence.

If you are in a violent situation, know someone who is experiencing violence, or know someone who is using violence, please refer to the key contacts listed here.