Domestic and family violence

Definition of domestic and family violence

A pattern of coercive tactics which can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person in order to establish and maintain power and control over another person in a close relationship, or family or domestic situation. Domestic and family violence occurs across all social strata, cultures, and age groups. The incidence of domestic violence is not dependent on gender or sexual orientation but the majority of victims of such violence are women.

Staff support

If you or a member of your immediate family are experiencing domestic and family violence, you can access up to fifteen (15) days of domestic violence leave per annum which can be used to access medical, legal and support services as necessary. Your supervisor may require you to furnish evidence to support any period of absence on family or domestic violence grounds exceeding three (3) days.

Charles Sturt recognises some of the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQA+ people in domestic and family violence situations and the limitation of support avenues available. Relevant Charles Sturt policies are inclusive of LGBTIQA+ people, partners, and their families.

Relevant Charles Sturt Policies

• Domestic and Family Violence Support Policy
• Domestic Violence Procedure - Addressing Impact in the Workplace

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their family members can access support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including crisis counselling. See Employee Assistance Program for details.

Service Directory

1800RESPECT have a Domestic Violence Service Directory which can be searched by region or community group.

Daisy app

Daisy is an app developed by 1800RESPECT to connect people experiencing violence or abuse to services in their local area. Daisy can be downloaded free from iTunes or Google Play. Once the app is on your phone, you can use it to search for support services in your local area. Choose the type of service you would like (for example 'Legal services' or 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services') and select your state or territory to find services near you.

You can visit service websites from within the app, which means these sites won't show up in your browser history. This can help protect your privacy, especially if another person has access to your phone. Each listing includes information about opening times, how to get in touch and the services they offer.

External LGBTIQA+ specific information, resources and support

• Say It Out Loud - Encourages LGBTQ+ communities to have healthy relationships, get help for unhealthy relationships and support their friends.
• LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation - Supporting LGBTQ victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse through awareness, education and breaking down barriers to accessing help.
• Domestic & Family Violence - ACON - Information, links and resources to support.
• QLife - Anonymous and free support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. 3 pm to Midnight, every day.

Student support

If you are a student who needs support, see Counselling and wellbeing services - Current Students (csu.edu.au).

DV-alert training

Charles Sturt has partnered with Lifeline to run a free two-hour interactive presentation to staff and students. This training is funded by the Department of Social Services.

At the end of the awareness session, attendees will:

• Identify the different signs and forms of abuse that constitute domestic and family violence
• Familiarise themselves with the Cycle of violence and Duluth wheels – power and control, equality and empowerment
• Reflect on and share what they can do if they know someone who is experiencing domestic and family violence
• Have an opportunity to network with other individuals
• Receive tools and references for domestic and family violence support and referral

To register your interest in attending the training across all campuses, please contact us.