Domestic violence is the use of any form of violence by one person to control another.
It can take many forms including: fear, intimidation, verbal and physical abuse, emotional and economic abuse, social and sexual abuse, stalking and controlling behaviours.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, in an emergency, call the police on 000 or call the Domestic Violence 24-hour Crisis Line on 1800 65 64 63.
Domestic Violence Services in North Sydney - during COVID-19 (43KB)
Lower North Shore Domestic Violence Network
The Lower North Shore Domestic Violence Network has a website to support people from the local area who are experiencing domestic violence. The site contains a range of resources including links to services, current programs and events and a variety of publications, go to:
NSW Government Support
In 2016, the NSW Government set out the directions and actions to reform the domestic violence system in NSW through the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Blueprint for Reform 2016-2021: Safer Lives for Women, Men and Children.
Government agencies, non-government organisations and communities worked together on prevention and early intervention strategies through the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Prevention and Early Intervention Strategy 2017-2021.
In 2020, the Premier, through her Premier's Priorities set a target to reduce the number of domestic violence reoffenders by 25% by 2023.
Visit the NSW Government website for domestic violence help and related services:
NSW Domestic Violence help
Australian Government Support
The Australian Government has also developed a
Family Safety Pack
with information on Australia’s laws regarding domestic and family violence, sexual assault and forced marriage. The pack aims to reduce violence against women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, by ensuring they understand their rights and where to get support if needed. It also aims to strengthen support for women coming to Australia on a Partner Visa, by providing information on the family violence visa provisions and available support.
The pack is a key initiative of the Second Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. Under the Second Action Plan, the Australian Govt is committed to understanding and addressing violence against women from CALD backgrounds and improving support available to CALD women. The family safety pack factsheets have been translated into 22 languages.
The RESPECT campaign aims at influencing children and young people to have healthy and respectful relationships.
Legal Aid Video
Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services are available to assist women (and children) who are largely the victims of domestic and family violence:
Legal Aid NSW video on Youtube.
DV Apps and Support
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a national confidential, 24-hour, seven days a week telephone counselling hotline that supports victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Specialist counsellors provide counselling, information, advice, and referrals, free of charge. The Daisy app connects women to services around Australia and can be downloaded
There are further services providing support: