If you feel unsafe in your relationship

If you've ended up on this page, something has told you to be here. Trust that.

You don't need to be able to name what's happening. You don't need to have been physically hurt. If something in your relationship makes you feel afraid, controlled, or like you're always waiting for the next thing - that's enough to take seriously.

What control can look like

Family violence includes much more than physical harm. You might be experiencing:

• Emotional abuse including put-downs, humiliation, making you feel worthless

• Controlling behaviour such as monitoring your phone, controlling your money, isolating you from friends and family

• Intimidation tactics such as looks, gestures, threats, damaging property

• Financial abuse means controlling your access to money or preventing you from working

• Coercive control can be a pattern of behaviour designed to make you dependent and afraid

These things are all recognised under Australian law as forms of family violence.

You don't have to be ready to leave to get help

Most support services — including 1800RESPECT — are available to people at any stage. You can call to talk things through, understand your options, or get help making a quiet plan without committing to anything yet

If you're not ready to call, their website also has an online chat option.

If you need to act quickly

If you're in immediate danger, call 000.

If you need to leave but aren't sure how, see the services ready to help on our Safety & Stability page for your nearest service. They can help with safety planning, transport and crisis accommodation including women with children and pets.