domestic_violence
domestic violence
introduction
examples of domestic violence:
physical assault - including pushing, poking, biting, hair-pulling, pinching, hitting, punching,
suffocation or strangulation, or using a weapon
sexual assault - rape within marriage is a crime in Victoria
threatening behaviour - including threatening suicide or threatening to take or kill the children
public insults
refusing to let someone see friends or family
making a person think they are crazy (“gas lighting”)
smashing objects
disconnecting the phone
locking a person in a house
drugging a person
controlling all the money
treating someone like a servant
the domestic violence victim in the ED
ED staff should have a low index of suspicion for domestic violence and should offer counseling, protection advice, written material with information including contact numbers and a safety plan.
take care to avoid documenting this on any discharge letter or similar which may be seen by the perpetrator and which may further escalate violence
resources in Melbourne
telephone interpreter services 24×7: ph: 131 450
Women's domestic violence crisis service of Victoria: ph: 1800 015 188 or 9322 3555
Sexual assault crisis and counseling line ph: 1800 806 292
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Immigrant Women's Domestic Violence Service ph: 1800 755 988 or 8413 6800
Women's Legal Service: ph: 1800 133 302 or 9642 0343
Legal Aid Information Service: ph: 9269 0120
Legal Aid (Western Metropolitan region): ph: 9300 5333
Court network ph: 9603 7433
Income and support - contact Centrelink on 136 150 and ask for an appointment with a social worker
emergency accommodation and support - Metro West ph 9689 2777 or Salvation Army ph: 9312 5424
support for victims of sexual assault:
Women's Information Referral Exchange ph: 1300 134 130
Kids Help Line ph: 1800 551 800
Parentline ph: 13 22 89
for men who want to change their violent behaviour or abuse in the home:
safety plan for women living in potentially violent situations
leave money and an extra set of car keys hidden outside the house or at a neighbour's house
keep important documents (birth certificates, bank details, drivers licence) and an extra set of clothes at a friend's house or hidden near an exit
make friends with your neighbours and get them to agree to call the police if they hear anything suspicious coming from your house
develop a code word with two friends or family members that lets them know that you need to get out NOW
if you have children, let their teachers/school principal know enough about the situation that they can support you appropriately in a crisis. Try to get them to agree not to release the kids to your partner if you tell them you are about to leave.
try to avoid arguments in the bathroom, kitchen, garage or other room where there are potential weapons
try to keep your back to a door or exit rather than a wall or corner
decide NOW where you will go and how you will get there the next time the person becomes violent
keep a diary of incidents and dates abuse took place to use as evidence
always remember, you do NOT deserve to be hurt! Family violence is a crime and you have the right to report it.
domestic_violence.txt · Last modified: 2019/08/12 03:16 by wh