Domestic and Family Violence

Creating a community free from violence

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. At Southern Cross University, addressing domestic and family violence is a priority, and we are committed to fostering a community where members can access information, support, and pathways to safety. Support is available to students to continue participating in their studies, ensuring that confidentiality and privacy is maintained.

Recognising Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic and family violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexuality, or culture, and can significantly impact a person's safety, health, and overall wellbeing. It occurs when a person uses abusive, controlling, or violent behaviours to gain power over another person within an intimate, family, or personal relationship. While domestic and family violence often involves a pattern of ongoing behaviour, it can also occur as a single incident.

Domestic and family violence can be difficult to recognise, especially when the person causing harm is someone you know, love, or trust. If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, you may feel unsafe, isolated, confused, or unsure of your options. These experiences can affect your wellbeing, confidence, and sense of safety.

It’s important to remember that domestic and family violence is never acceptable. Responsibility for the abuse always lies with the person using violence or controlling behaviours, never with the person experiencing them.

Definitions

Domestic Violence refers to acts of violence that occur in domestic settings between two people who are, or were, in an intimate relationship.

Family Violence is a broader term than domestic violence, as it refers to violence between intimate partners and violence between family members. Family violence includes violent or threatening behaviour or any other form that coerces or controls a family member to be fearful.

In Indigenous communities, family violence is often the preferred term as it encapsulates the broader issue of violence within extended families, kinship networks, community relationships, and intergenerational issues. Source: Our Watch, Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and VicHealth (2015)

Interpersonal violence, often referred to as intimate partner violence, domestic violence or battering, is a pattern of behaviour used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.

Domestic and family violence happens in many different forms, each of which has its own devastating consequences:

Physical Abuse	Social Abuse
Verbal Abuse	Sexual Abuse
Psychological/Emotional Abuse	Financial Abuse
Spiritual/Cultural Abuse	Damage to Personal Property
Digital Abuse	Stalking

Further information on the different forms of abuse can be found at the NSW Department of Communities and Justice webpage.

Support for domestic and family violence

You're not alone

It is important to remember that domestic and family violence is never your fault, and support is available. There is no right or wrong way to respond to these experiences, and Southern Cross University can help you access confidential support services, explore your options, provide academic support, and assistance if you choose to make a report.

Immediate Crisis Response
000 Emergency Services	If your or someone else’s safety is at immediate risk, call 000 (triple zero) and seek support from emergency services
Campus Security	If on campus phone 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357 for campus security. Available 24/7.

Dedicated SCU Student Support
24/7 Mental Health Support	Phone 1300 782 676 or text 0488 884 143 for urgent over-the-phone or crisis support
Counselling, Safety & Wellbeing	We have a team of experienced counsellors, psychologists, and social workers who can provide mental health and safety support. Available, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Phone: 1800 72 4357 (Option 3) email: studentsafety@scu.edu.au or counselling@scu.edu.au.
International Students	International students may wish to contact their International Student Adviser. Phone: (+61) 1800 72 4357 (Option 3) email: studentvisa@scu.edu.au