Resources
and Guides

Many commonly held beliefs about domestic and family violence are simply untrue. The more we understand domestic and family violence, the more effective we will be in eliminating it. Our role is to raise awareness and increase understanding as part of our prevention strategy.

Myths and Facts 

Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone in any type of relationship or intimate partnership. If you identify as LGBTQI+ and are experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence, please know that you are not alone. DVNQ welcomes you.
The Queensland Government has released ‘Queer without Fear – Domestic and Family Violence in LGBTI Relationships’ LGBTIQ Handbook which you may find helpful.

LGBTQI+ Community and Domestic and Family Violence

Cultural and spiritual abuse are forms of domestic violence in which an abuser exploits or manipulates a victim's cultural beliefs, practices, or spiritual values to gain control and power over them. Examples of this include undermining cultural identity and preventing the victim from engaging in cultural practices.

Understanding Cultural and Spiritual Abuse 

The following checklist includes warning signs that may help you determine if you are in an abusive relationship. If you check any of the boxes, it is likely your partner is choosing to exert power and control over you. We encourage you to reach out to a specialist domestic violence support agency.

Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Having a safety plan is important for a victim survivor (and victim survivor child/ren) who are preparing to leave or has already left an abusive situation. A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, while planning to leave, or after leaving. Each person's situation is unique, so a safety plan should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. It’s your right to feels safe. 

Safety Planning

Everyone has the right to use technology safely without experiencing abuse from the perpetrator. Victim survivors should not be forced to give up their technology because it is being misused by someone else to cause harm. Victim survivors can be provided the resources and information needed to protect their privacy and security.

Technology Safety

Children can be affected by domestic and family violence in many ways. Children who witness this violence may experience fear, intimidation, and threats to their safety, much like the primary victim-survivor. However, with a safe environment and the right support, children can recover from the trauma of domestic and family violence.

Supporting Children through Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic violence occurs when one person behaves in a way that controls or dominates another, causing fear for their safety and wellbeing. It is typically a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour that can take many forms, not just physical. Recognising the signs can help individuals identify when domestic and family violence may be occurring and empower them to seek help. Domestic, family, and sexual violence is never the fault of the person being abused or controlled. The responsibility to stop abusive behaviour lies solely with the person misusing power and control.

What is Domestic and Family Violence 

Our go-to resources and guides on domestic and family violence