What is violence?

There are three icons, the first is of a closed fist, the second is of a frightened person, the third is of someone standing over a frightened person.

Violence includes when someone:

  • hurts you
  • scares you
  • controls you.

It can also be called abuse.

Three icons, the first is of a closed fist, the second is of a crying face, the third is of a credit card with a money symbol.

There are different types of violence.

Every person’s experience of violence is different.

An icon of a person with a broken arm and a bandage on their head.

Violence can be physical.

For example, someone might hurt your body.

An icon of an upset person.

Violence can be emotional.

For example, someone might:

  • say things that make you feel bad or scared
  • control what you do.

A person standing behind someone with their arms around them. The other person in the front looks scared.

Violence can be sexual.

For example, someone might:

  • make you do sexual things you don’t want to do
  • do something sexual to you that you don’t want them to do.

A person is frowning, looking at their phone. There is an icon of a credit card above them with a money symbol.

Violence can be financial.

For example, someone might:

  • control your money
  • take your money.

A violence icon above a computer and a phone with a warning symbol on them.

Violence can be online.

For example, someone might use technology – like a mobile phone or Facebook.

They might use technology to know where you are or control you.

Or someone might send you threatening messages.

A group of people with a violence icon above them, and an arrow circling the icon.

Anyone can use violence against women and children.

This includes someone close to you, like:

  • a partner
  • a family member
  • someone who supports you
  • someone who lives with you.

Three icons. The first is a house, the second is a school the third is a group of people at a community park.

And violence can happen anywhere.

This includes:

  • where you live
  • at work or school
  • in the community.

A map of Australia with a violence icon on it. Surrounding the icon is an arrow going around.

Violence can happen to people who live:

  • in big cities or towns
  • far away from cities and towns.