What is family and domestic violence?

Family and domestic violence takes different forms and may be known as different things such as, relationship violence or intimate partner violence.

It’s a pattern of abusive behaviour where a person seeks to control and dominate another person. It is not limited to physical abuse, and other forms of  family  and domestic violence can include:

• Economic abuse – when one partner has control over the other’s access to economic resources, it diminishes that person’s capacity to support themselves, and they become financially dependent on the perpetrator. For example: the perpetrator prevents you from accessing funds, decides when or how you can access or use cash, forces you to put bills in your name, or puts bills under their name and without taking financial responsibility for them. 
• Emotional or psychological abuse,
• Sexual abuse,
• Threatening or coercive behaviour, and/or
• Any other way that seeks to control or dominates a person and cause them to fear for their safety or wellbeing, or that of someone else.

Family and domestic violence can happen to anyone, in any postcode, in any community. It can be used by a perpetrator to undermine a person’s rights, inhibit their options, undermine their safety, mental and physical health, and limit opportunities for learning and participation, access to material basics and economic wellbeing, relationships and connection. 

How we can help?

We’re committed to supporting all employees and customers who are experiencing or impacted by family and domestic violence. We’ll provide a supportive and confidential environment where you can feel comfortable informing us of your situation and seek the support  you need.

Powerdirect's Family and Domestic Violence Policy can be found here.

External support 

We recognise everyone’s circumstances are different and you may require support for various services at different times. Listed below are some immediate and national support services to assist you. A more in-depth list including culturally relevant and state specific services can be found in the Powerdirect Family and Domestic Violence Policy.