How common is domestic and family violence?

Domestic and family violence affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds, but women and children are impacted the most.

1 in 4 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15 (ABS, 2021-22)

20% of the Australian population have reported experiencing physical and/or sexual family and domestic violence since the age of 15. It is estimated that of all Australian adults:

• 2.2 million had experienced violence from a partner or ex-partner
• 1.1 million had experienced violence from a boyfriend, girlfriend or date
• 1.4 million had experienced violence from another family member

Source: (ABS 2023c).

Impacts on adult victim-survivors

DFV has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors in the immediate and longer term and can continue even after the relationship has ended.

Victim-survivors may experience:

• physical injuries ranging from bruising to life threatening injuries and death
• brain injuries
• hearing loss
• vision loss
• miscarriage or early delivery
• sexually transmitted infections
• post traumatic stress disorder
• alcohol and substance misuse
• suicide
• eating disorders
• homelessness
• long term poverty.

Impacts on young people and children

Children and young people are also affected by domestic and family violence—even if they haven’t directly seen or heard the abuse or violence.

Children experiencing domestic and family violence could:

• try to stop the abuse and thereby put themselves at risk
• blame themselves
• copy the abusive behaviour, bully others or be cruel to animals
• feel fearful, nervous, guilty or depressed
• relapse into bed wetting and thumb sucking or have nightmares
• show changes in their school behaviour and performance
• have unexplained medical problems including headaches, asthma and stuttering
• run away from home
• attempt suicide or self-harm
• abuse drugs and alcohol.

Phone Triple Zero (000) if it's an emergency or if you believe a child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation. If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of abuse, contact a Regional Intake Service (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 (24 hours a day) if outside business hours.

Find out more about how to report child abuse.

If you’re a child or young person affected by domestic and family violence, find out what you can do or find a youth support service.