Our psychologists can help domestic violence victims by providing emotional support, creating safety plans, building self-esteem, teaching coping strategies, and empowering them to regain control over their lives. It also connects them with essential resources and aids in breaking the cycle of abuse.
Direct injury or assault to another person’s body, such as strangulation, punching, kicking, pushing, pinching, slapping, or shaking. It could also involve the use of weapons or objects, denial of food or medication, violence against children or animals, or destruction of property.
This can involve verbal attacks, threats, insults, intimidation, humiliation, yelling and can cover themes such as body or appearance, sexuality or gender identity, their parenting, intelligence or other capabilities.
Treating the person as less than, not allowing them to have any input or say, emotional blackmail, threats of suicide or self-harm (to coerce or force compliance or action), stalking, spying, blaming, ignoring, sulking or tracking.
Forcing or pressuring someone to engage in activities or actions against their will. This can involve manipulating, hurting, scaring, or isolating the person in order to coerce them into a behaviour or action.
Behaviours that are focused on controlling or monitoring the other persons activities and interactions with others. This can include controlling diet, medication, who they can see, reading messages, checking search history or bank statements.
Efforts are made to isolate the individuals from their family and friends, effectively cutting off their support network. This could also include forcing them to move away from family and friends, or outward rudeness to family to alienate them.
This might include controlling access to finances, preventing the person from working or being able to accrue resources of their own, or withholding money.
Forcing someone to participate in religious or spiritual practices they don’t believe in, ridiculing their culture/beliefs, or preventing them from being involved with religious, cultural or spiritual groups.
Unwanted sexual activity, threats or insults relating to sex or the person’s body, humiliation or forced engagement in degrading acts, restricting or forcing use of contraception, using intimate photos as coercion.
Psychologists play a crucial role in supporting individuals who have previously been, or are currently affected by domestic violence and abuse. They can provide assessment, intervention, and therapy which is tailored to the unique needs of the individual they are working with, and many psychologists have specific experience and skills in working with trauma, family and domestic violence, sexual assault or working with children on the same topics.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviours that allows one person in the relationship to gain power and coercive control over the other person. The behaviour can involve various forms or harm, threat or violence, including; psychological, physical, sexual, emotional, and financial. Because domestic abuse can manifest in a number of ways, the signs aren’t always clear or immediately apparent. Some common signs to look out for might include:
Recognising the signs of domestic violence, when (and how) to reach out for support is critical in breaking the cycle of abuse. Some signs to look out for that might prompt you to reach out for support could include:
Many people ask, “Is this domestic violence?” when thinking about the behaviour or actions of someone they are in a relationship with. Although it is important to identify and call out domestic violence, its even more important for people to know that they do not have to accept or tolerate any patterns of behaviour that make them feel unsafe or disrespected - even if they don’t meet typical criteria of what could be considered domestic violence. Any behaviour that is not acceptable should be addressed, and its important to consider the following points:
Please note, that if you felt scared or worried about retaliation or what might happen if you did address the behaviours of the person you are in a relationship with, it could be an indicator of domestic violence. Your safety is important, so also consider some of the other points associated with safety planning or accessing supports if this feeling was triggered in you when considering this topic.
It is important to seek support immediately if you have experienced harm or are in current danger (call 000). Or if you think you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship you need to protect yourself and take action as soon as possible.
It's important to note that supports are unique to each individual and each relationship, and in some circumstances, leaving or taking certain types of action can increase risk – so its important for you to understand that not everyone wants to leave a relationship, and even if they do it is not always easy or straightforward. But some options to consider if you are thinking about leaving, or just want to access supports could include:
Taking that first step to seek support, or explore your options can be a daunting, but there are a number of resources available to those who need help. Some steps or services to consider could include:
Domestic violence can impact on an individual’s physical health as well as emotional and psychological wellbeing. You may consider seeking support from a psychologist, or counsellor who has specific experience and skills in working with trauma, family and domestic violence, sexual assault or working with children on the same topics.
If you're in a life-threatening or urgent situation, phone Triple Zero (000) and ask for the police.
For non-urgent police attendance phone 131 444.
1800RESPECT
Lifeline
The Daisy App
The Daisy app was developed by 1800RESPECT
Men
Teens and Children
LGBTIQA+
Pets
Discrimination occurring for those in the LGBTIQA+ community can increase their risk of experiencing family and domestic abuse, in comparison to other groups in the population. In addition, lack of understanding, shame or stigma can create barriers to accessing support. There are also distinct types of violence which can be experienced including:
I am so grateful for my psychologist from My Mirror, and having my psychologist available via telehealth has been so much more beneficial for my mental health. Being able to be seen, heard and listened to rather than waiting so long on a waitlist has been a godsend.
Having been initially sceptical, my overall experience with My Mirror has been fantastic. My Mirror matched and connected me with a psychologist who simply “got” me from the very beginning. I cannot recommend this service enough.
I'm one of those people who doesn't enjoy going out of my home or talking to a doctor, let alone a psychologist. Without My Mirror and the services they provide I would most likely neglect seeking help, so it's a big tick from me for these guys.
One of the best online platforms I have ever used. The simplicity of the bulk billing system, rebates and the selection of well educated clinical psychologists is what we need. Couldn't of found a better website. 🙌