Reports of the alleged assault of Rachael Taylor by actor Matthew Newton shocked Australians. But sadly, domestic abuse affects millions of other women around the globe.
Abuse of course, isn't confined to battery alone. Emotional, economical and sexual abuse are equally as rife. Nearly one in three Australian women will suffer at the hands of their partner during the course of their adult lives and in many cases will go unreported.
Denial in abusive relationships is common. If you are confused about what sort of behaviour can be considered abusive, consult our list below and then seek out some professional advice.
Don't suffer in silence. If you are in an abusive relationship and want advice or guidance, visit www.lifeline.org.au for more information.
Signs of an abusive relationship
Your inner thoughts and feelings
Do you:
- Feel afraid of your partner?
- Find yourself avoiding certain topics of conversation to avoid angering your partner?
- Consistently feel you can do no right?
- Believe that you deserve to be punished?
- Wonder if you are imagining an abusive relationship?
Your partner's behaviour
Does your partner:
- Frequently shout or criticise you?
- Treat you badly or cut you down in front of others?
- Ignore you opinions and views?
Your partner's violent behaviour
Does your partner:
- Have an unpredictable and short temper?
- Threaten you?
- Threaten to take your children away?
- Threaten to cause self-harm if you leave?
Your partner's controlling behaviour
Does your partner:
- Act excessively jealous without cause or reason?
- Control your actions or movements?
- Prevent you from seeing your friends or family?
- Attempt to control your access to money, communication or the transport?
- Frequently monitor where you are and what you are doing?
For more info, read VicHealth's Violence Against Women in Australia.
Related video: Rachael Taylor appears at Melbourne premiere
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