This content contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to information about family, domestic and sexual violence. If the information presented raises any issues for you, or someone you know, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. See also Find support for a list of support services.
Family, domestic and sexual violence Home
Responses
Actions taken after family, domestic and sexual violence are referred to as ‘responses’ and include informal support (such as disclosure to a friend or family) and formal support (such as police and legal services, health professionals or housing assistance). These topic pages focus mainly on formal support due to data availability. The need for some of these supports could be viewed as an outcome of FDSV (e.g. hospitalisation) however are positioned as a response as the data relate to the events in which the service responds to the impact/outcome.
Outcomes
Violence impacts the physical and mental health and well-being of victim-survivors in the short and long term. These topic pages explore a range of outcomes that may be experienced by victim-survivors. However, it is important to note that the experience of FDSV is unique and impacts on a person may be mediated by protective factors (for example, strong family or social support) or exacerbated by other factors (for example, more severe and enduring violence).