On this page, we talk about different signs that someone might be experiencing
Violence or abuse is when someone:
- hurts you
- scares you
- controls you.
We also talk about what you can do if you notice these signs.
There is support available if the information on this page upsets you.
You can find out more on our page about support.
Different signs of violence or abuse
Signs of violence or abuse can include injuries to the person’s body.
For example:
- bruises
- scratches.
The person might start wearing more clothes to try to cover their injuries.
For example, they might wear a scarf even when it is hot.
The person might lose a lot of weight.
This can be a sign:
- of stress
- that someone is not helping them the way they are supposed to.
They might show signs of:
- worrying about things a lot
- having trouble controlling how they think.
The person might start behaving in a way that is more quiet or shy.
And they might stop talking to their friends or family.
They might smell like they have not had a shower in a long time.
This can be a sign that someone is not taking care of them properly.
The person might tell you they are scared of someone.
And they do not want to spend time with them.
The person might have trouble sleeping.
And they might show signs of
Depression can be a serious mental health problem.
If you have depression, you feel very bad most of the time.
Why you might not notice the signs
Lots of people who experience violence or abuse do not talk about it.
They might not know:
- what to do
- who to talk to.
The person experiencing violence or abuse might not understand what is happening.
And they might not understand that it is wrong.
The person might want to keep the violence or abuse a secret.
They might feel embarrassed about what is happening.
They might feel like no one will believe them.
Or they might feel scared about what will happen if they tell someone.
This could be because the violence or abuse is from a person that supports them.
For example, a family member or carer.
The person might have a disability that makes it hard to communicate about their experiences.
How to keep the person safe
You can let the person know that you are safe to talk to.
But it is also okay if they do not want to share what is happening.
You can find out more on our page about talking to the person I care for about violence or abuse.
You should not try to talk to the person who is using violence or abuse.
It can make things worse.
It is better to focus on supporting the person who they hurt.
You can contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
They can give advice about how to support people with disability who experience violence or abuse.
It is never your fault if you have experienced the bad behaviour we talk about on this page.
We are sorry that this has happened to you.
The first thing you should do is make sure you are safe.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call Triple Zero.
000
We have a section on this website about how to call Triple Zero.
You can find out more on our page about a guide to call Triple Zero.
You can contact 1800RESPECT for support.
You can call them.
1800 737 732
You can talk to someone online.
You can send them a text message.
0458 737 732
If you send them a text message, you can just send the word ‘HELLO’.
You can leave your partner if this is where you are experiencing the bad behaviour.
For example, your boyfriend or girlfriend.
You can find out more on our page about how to be safe when you leave a relationship.
If you are not ready to leave your partner, you can still make a plan about how to be safe.
You can find out more on our page about when you are not ready to leave a relationship.
You can get support from your friends and family.
It is a good idea to tell them:
- what they can do to help you
- to focus on what you need to feel safe.
You can keep proof of the person’s bad behaviour if it safe for you to do so.
You can give this proof to the police if you decide to contact them.
You can start to manage your own money so you can leave if or when you want to.
You can find out more on our page about managing your own money.
You can share what is happening to a government organisation.
For example, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
AHRC is an organisation that makes sure people treat others:
- fairly
- equally.
You can call a helpline.
Helplines are phone numbers that will connect you to people who:
- care about what you are going through
- can give you good advice.
We have a list of helplines on our website.
You can find out more on our page about helplines.
You can work with someone to explore how you think and feel.
This can help you:
- reach goals
- feel safe
- learn skills
- understand what happened to you.
You can find out more on our page about counselling.
You can learn more about the rules about how people must treat you:
- fairly
- equally.
You can find out more on our page about your rights.
You can think about what you can do to care for yourself.
You can find out more on our page about caring for yourself.
You might have experienced the bad behaviour from someone who did a service for you.
For example, from:
- a health professional
- someone who cleaned your house.
You can talk to the person who organises your services if this has happened to you.
