Family and domestic violence support and resources
Sunday March 15 2026
A safe, respectful home is at the heart of sharing a place on Flatmates.com.au. Flatmates.com.au is a site that victim‑survivors may visit when looking for a safer place to live away from fear, harm or control. Sadly, anyone can experience family and domestic violence, including in a share house. A home is not truly safe if there is fear, control or abuse. If you or someone you know is, or might be, experiencing family or domestic violence, you are not alone and support is available.
What does family and domestic violence involve?
Family and domestic violence is defined as any behaviour that makes you feel scared, controlled or unsafe at home or in your close relationships. It doesn’t have to be physical to be serious or harmful.
It can include:
- Physical violence – including threats of physical violence.
- Emotional or psychological abuse – including yelling, constant criticism and insults.
- Coercive control – a pattern of behaviour used to isolate you, monitor you or control you.
- Sexual violence – including any sexual activity you are pressured into, don’t want or are too scared to refuse.
- Financial abuse – including taking your money, blocking access to your accounts, building up debts in your name or stopping you from working.
- Technology‑based abuse – including reading your messages, tracking your phone, monitoring your social media, or sharing sexual or private images without consent.
Family and domestic violence can happen in any kind of relationship – partners, ex‑partners, family members, or carers. It is never your fault.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 000.
Are you safe at home?
Feeling safe at home means that you can be yourself and relax, aren’t being threatened, monitored or controlled, and aren’t scared about how someone might respond if you disagree or make a small mistake.
If you are experiencing any of the above behaviours or are feeling unsafe at home, or if something just doesn’t feel right, there is support available to you.
Are you worried about someone?
You might be worried about a friend, flatmate, partner, family member or neighbour if you notice that they:
- seem frightened or on edge around a particular person
- suddenly stop going out, answering messages or seeing people
- have unexplained injuries, or make excuses for frequent “accidents”
- are constantly checked up on by messages or calls
- are being put down, controlled, or humiliated in front of you
You don’t have to be certain that it’s family or domestic violence before you check in. You also don’t have to have all the answers.
You could say:
“You don’t seem yourself lately – are you feeling safe at home?”
“I’ve noticed a few things that worry me. Is everything okay with your partner/housemate/family?”
“If anything is ever making you feel unsafe, I’m here to listen and help you find support.”
If they don’t want to talk, let them know you’re available whenever they’re ready.
You don’t need to be an expert. By just asking, listening and believing, you can make a huge difference.
How can you find the support that you or someone else needs?
If you or someone you know might be experiencing family or domestic violence, there is free, confidential support available across Australia.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
24/7 national support
1800RESPECT – confidential counselling, information and referrals for anyone affected by domestic, family or sexual violence.
- Phone: 1800 737 732
- Text: 0458 737 732
- Online chat and video: https://www.1800respect.org.au
Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Phone: 13 11 14
- Webchat and text: https://www.lifeline.org.au
Kids Helpline – for anyone aged 5–25.
- Phone: 1800 55 1800
- Webchat: https://www.kidshelpline.com.au
Finding local services
-
The Are You Safe at Home? site has clear information, conversation tips and a directory of specialist family violence services:
https://www.areyousafeathome.org.au -
The Daisy app (by 1800RESPECT) can help you find local legal, housing, financial and domestic violence services and save them in one place:
https://www.1800respect.org.au/daisy-app
If you’re supporting someone else
1800RESPECT and Lifeline can also talk with you about how to help someone safely, what to say, and when it might be unsafe to intervene directly.
How can you make sure that your Flatmates.com.au search is safe?
If you’re using Flatmates.com.au to find a safer place to live away from someone who is harming or controlling you, it’s important to protect your privacy while you search.
- If you’re worried the person might check your devices, try using a safe device (for example, a trusted friend’s phone or a computer at a library or support service) where possible.
- Use private or incognito browsing so your history is less visible.
- If you can’t use private mode, you may want to clear your recent browser history and tabs after you finish, especially if they regularly look at your phone or computer.
If managing your devices feels risky or confusing, you can talk with 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) about safer ways to look for housing and plan your next steps.
Where can you find out more or seek support?
-
eSafety Commissioner – information about online abuse:
https://www.esafety.gov.au -
Lifeline – 24‑hour crisis support and suicide prevention hotline including support resources:
https://www.lifeline.org.au -
Safe and Equal – information about family and domestic violence:
https://safeandequal.org.au -
1800RESPECT – confidential information, counselling, and support service:
https://www.1800respect.org.au -
Are You Safe at Home? – information in a range of languages for people experiencing or concerned about someone experiencing family and domestic violence:
https://www.areyousafeathome.org.au
