What is Family and Domestic Violence (FDV)?

When asked recently how we define such a complex issue, we turned to the experts in the field to check our alignment with their statements (see below). We found that no single definition matched perfectly, so summarised the key aspects and created our own.

PVAW Definition:

Domestic and family violence is violent, threatening or controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship that over time causes a partner or former partner to feel fear, physical harm and/or psychological harm. It can include:

• physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse

• neglect

• financial abuse

• stalking

• harm to an animal or property

• restricting your spiritual or cultural participation, or

• exposing children to the effects of these behaviours

1800 RESPECT:

Domestic and family violence can involve behaviour that makes you feel scared, involve threats to you, your children or pets, and denies your choice. Domestic and family violence almost always involves an ongoing repeated pattern of behaviour to control you. This is known as coercive control, which can include both physical and non-physical abuse.

Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (WA):

Domestic and family violence is a major human rights, public health and social issue in our community. It is prevalent but preventable. Domestic violence typically refers to abuse against an intimate partner/ex-partner, while family violence is a broader term that refers to abuse in a range of family and family-like relationships.

Services Australia:

Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe can be considered family and domestic violence.