Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence

Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to control the other. It’s a recurring pattern of behaviour aimed at maintaining power and dominance over a partner. Domestic violence can take many different forms including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as coercive control. Anyone, regardless of their background, age, gender or sexual orientation, can find themselves in an abusive relationship. The abuser is not always a partner or ex-partner, it can be a family member or other person. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

If you are in danger, or have been threatened, physically hurt or sexually assaulted, call triple zero (000).

Steps to take

• Seek support
  Talk to trusted family members and friends about your situation. Support is also available 24/7 by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732.
• Security
  Keep your personal information safe. Change PINs, passwords and security questions for all your devices, email and social media accounts, bank and credit card accounts. 
• Protect your documents
  Find your financial statements, account details, tax returns and legal documents like ID, birth certificate, will and court orders. Keep them together in a safe place, for example, at a friend’s house. 
• Make a plan
  If you have decided to leave, don’t reveal any sign of your intentions to the abuser. 
• Emergency fund
  Open a bank account in your name only. Put aside small amounts of money over time. 
• Contact details
  Set up a new email address that your abuser can’t access and have any correspondence including bank statements sent there. Australia Post offers free PO Box access and mail redirection services for customers impacted by domestic and family violence. 
• Find alternative housing
  Use the Ask Izzy website or Daisy app to find emergency accommodation or refuge. 

How we can help

• Financial stress or hardship
  If your circumstances are making it difficult for you to keep up with loan repayments or pay bills, get in touch as soon as you can to find out how we can support you.
• Discretion
  Any information you give us will be treated confidentially, for example, we won’t let anyone else know your new details. We’ll also let you know when we may need to contact anyone else, so that you’re prepared for any reaction.
• Referrals
  We can refer you to specialised help such as Good Shepherd to help you get back on your feet.

If you worry that your own behaviour could potentially be recognised as abusive, please seek support. It takes strength and courage to admit to using violence or control. Free and confidential support is available for men who have been or are behaving abusively - call the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491 or chat to a counsellor online at the No to Violence website.

Elder financial abuse

Older people may be more vulnerable to financial abuse as they sometimes depend on others for help with managing money. Elder financial abuse can happen to anyone and can take various forms, such as using your money without consent, withholding money, or theft. We recognise the emotional toll this abuse can take and understand that reporting it can be difficult due to fear, shame, or dependency on the abuser. Remember, you deserve safety, dignity, respect and support. There are resources available to help regain independence and protect against financial abuse. If you’re worried about financial abuse, let us know as soon as you can.

If you’re not feeling safe, you should always call 000 in an emergency. 

Steps to take

• Trust your instincts
  If something doesn’t feel right, look into it further. Don’t feel pressured to sign documents or make financial arrangements that worry you.
• Stay informed
  Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for transactions you don’t recognise. If you notice anything unusual, contact us straightaway.
• Secure your information
  Keep your important documents, account details and passwords together in a safe location.
• Revise your legal documents
  You can update or cancel your Power of Attorney (PoA) at any time, if you have decision-making capacity.
• Seek support
  Reach out to a trusted friend or family member to talk about your concerns. Or call 1800 ELDER HELP (1800 353 374) for free confidential support and guidance. You don’t have to face this alone.
  
  

How we can help

• Secure your accounts
  We can update your passwords and account security so only you can access them. 
• Authority to Act
  Let us know if you have updated or cancelled your Power of Attorney (PoA). If you no longer want someone to act on your behalf, you can update the Third Party Access. If you would like us to talk to your financial counsellor, ask them to help you complete a Financial Counsellor Authorisation form (or their own version).    
• Reporting abuse
  With your consent, we can report the financial abuse to police or other another authority.
• Safe & Savvy Guide
  A guide to help people avoid scams, fraud and elder financial abuse. View the guide 
• Referrals
  We can connect you with further support such as financial counsellors. 
• Financial stress or hardship
  If you’re finding it hard to keep up with loan repayments or pay bills, get in touch as soon as you can to find out how we can support you.