Family violence

Important

If you’re in immediate danger, call 000 – or call the police on 131 444 if you don’t want sirens.

Where to get help if you are experiencing family violence or know someone who is

What is family or domestic violence?

Family and domestic violence is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. Both adults and children can be exposed to family violence.

Family violence is not just physical violence. It is also:

  • being threatened with harm or death
  • threats to hurt children, pets or other family members
  • being stopped from spending time with family and friends
  • being criticised, put down or ridiculed
  • not having access to money or having to ask for money to meet basic needs like nappies, groceries or medication
  • having your personal property damaged including clothing, mobile phone, car or house
  • having your parenting criticised or being threatened with losing custody of children

Download the Family Violence factsheet 2025 | Cardinia Shire Council

Impacts of family violence on children

Children and young people will experience family violence in many ways. Children can be physically injured, verbally abused or intimidated. Feeling unsafe in an unpredictable environment can lead to chronic fear and stress which creates greater emotional and behavioural problems. Research also shows that family violence effects unborn children Domestic and family violence and children | 1800RESPECT

A child is exposed to violence if they see or hear it directly or otherwise experience the effects of violence from one family member to another. This can include:

  • overhearing threats
  • seeing or hearing an assault
  • cleaning up after a family member has damaged property
  • helping or comforting a family member who has been assaulted
  • being present when police or ambulance attend the home

What we’re doing to build a community free of family violence

Cardinia Shire Council acknowledges:

  • Domestic abuse and family violence impacts many women, men, young people and children across Cardinia Shire, and honour those who have been traumatised through their lived experience.
  • The strength and courage of all people who support victims, survivors, perpetrators and their families, and who continue to speak up and challenge outdated attitudes to build a stronger and more connected community where all people are treated with respect and dignity.
  • We ask that all people who work, live, learn and play in Cardinia Shire do their part to create an inclusive and supportive community where everybody feels safe, and no more lives are lost to the tragedy of family violence.
  • We ask that silence is no longer an acceptable response to family violence, and request all community members build respectful and healthy relationships with one another to enable our children, and future generations, the opportunity to live their lives free of violence

Cardinia Shire Council has a legal responsibility under the Gender Equality Act 2020 to promote gender equality in the workplace and across the wider Cardinia community and has developed a Leadership Statement and Action Plan. Visit Gender equality - Cardinia Shire Council for more details.

Developed in consultation with residents, community organisations and sector experts, Liveability, health and wellbeing | Cardinia Shire Council guides our approach to meeting the health and wellbeing of Cardinia residents, which identifies the reduction and prevention of family violence across Cardinia Shire as a priority outcome.

Cardinia Shire Council works with the Together We Can Partnership, made up of sector experts, service providers and community leaders to identify and deliver actions to reduce family violence.

Together We Can delivers community solutions focused on:

  • Raising awareness of the causes and impacts of family violence and support services available.
  • Advocating for local service providers to benefit the community.
  • Engage community discussions relating to gender equality, respectful relationships, healthy masculinities and the empowerment of women

Together We Can initiatives include:

  • Family Violence First Aid Training. Empowering communities to be more aware of the prevalence of family violence, building community confidence in supporting people experiencing family violence and referring them to specialist services
  • International Women’s Day Celebration. Celebrating the achievements of women making a difference in Cardinia Shire and beyond and exploring ways we can all act for gender equality
  • 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women campaign. A global campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls
  • DVSafePhones initiative. Promoting drop box locations across Cardinia Shire to reduce electronic waste and provide victim survivors with free repurposed mobile phones

Council has also developed a Specialist Support Service Directory for community to access support services aligned with their unique needs and promotes the Men as Allies - Women's Health Victoria free training

For more information on how we are working to reduce family violence in Cardinia Shire contact our Community Strengthening team on 1300 787 624 or email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Related pages