2025 Domestic Violence Prevention Month

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and in 2025 the theme is 'Breaking the Silence, Building Safer Communities'. It is a time to raise awareness about the often-hidden harm of domestic and family violence, which affects individuals, families and entire communities and to remind people that help and support are available.

In Australia, one in four women experience violence from their partner (AIHW 2024). For many, particularly women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, getting help can be even harder. Challenges like caring for young children, financial pressure, visa status, and abuse from extended family members can make it difficult to leave an unsafe situation.

Telling someone to ‘just leave’ an abusive situation ignores how complex and difficult it is. Religious beliefs, fear of community shame and isolation from support networks can stop people from asking for help. Financial control and emotional abuse can also have long-lasting effects on a person’s wellbeing and sense of safety. That is why it is so important to understand all types of abuse, including coercive control.

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour where someone uses intimidation, isolation, and manipulation to control another person. It is often disguised as love, care or protection. Examples include controlling someone’s finances, checking their movements, isolating them from friends or family or making them doubt their memories or feelings. Coercive control is now recognised as a criminal offence in New South Wales.

Community Information Sessions

This May, with support from the Community Benefit Scheme, the Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub of Sydney Local Health District is hosting a series of community information sessions. The community information sessions aim to raise awareness about the hidden harms of family abuse, including coercive control. They aim to empower individuals and communities to seek help and take charge of their wellbeing. We want to help people recognise the hidden signs of abuse and feel confident to seek help for themselves or someone they care about. The information sessions will cover:

• Healthy relationships – how to communicate in a healthy style, set boundaries and spot the signs of domestic violence
• Better living and mental wellbeing – tips for managing stress, resolving conflict, and creating a peaceful home
• Living financially well – advice on budgeting, becoming financially independent, and recognising the signs of gambling harm

The sessions are culturally safe, practical, and tailored to meet community needs. They aim to help individuals notice early warning signs of abuse and feel empowered to get support. 

Together, we can create safer, more informed communities.

Need support?

If you or someone you know is at risk or experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online at 1800respect.org.au

If you are worried about your own behaviour, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 (available 24/7)

Translated information

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Chinese – Simplified  |  Chinese – Traditional  |  Hindi  |  Korean  |  Nepali 

Reducing Gambling Harm and Domestic and Family Violence in Diverse Communities

10 October 2024

The Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub at Sydney Local Health District (the District) is shining a light on the link between gambling harm and domestic and family violence. 

A recent survey by the Australian Gambling Research Centre found 73 per cent of adults gambled at least once in 2022, with 38 per cent gambling at least once a week. The survey included a focus on gambling in culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia and identified that people who spoke languages other than English were 14 per cent more likely to experience gambling-related harm.

GambleAware Gambling Counsellor Vivien MacJohn said "Harm from gambling places significant stressors on relationships, families and communities and can intersect with, and increase the risk of, domestic violence."

"Gambling-related domestic and family violence can take many forms within families. For example, a partner with a gambling problem may control the household finances as part of a pattern of domestic violence. Gambling losses may contribute to more frequent and severe violence, and may mean families do not have enough money to meet basic needs," Ms MacJohn said.

"In contrast, people who experience abuse may turn to gambling as a way of managing the stress and impact of the violence, which can contribute to the development of gambling problems. We know addressing the link between gambling-related harm and domestic violence is a crucial step to supporting the safety of victim-survivors and connecting people who use violence with services to address their behaviours."

"The stigma associated with gambling often stops people seeking help," said Ms Barbara Luisi, Director of the District's Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub. "This can cause problems to escalate quickly, leading to more financial strain and relationship issues, all of which can contribute to domestic and family violence."

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. You can contact the GambleAware Helpline for free, confidential advice on 1800 858 858 or visit the GambleAware website for more information.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732.

Translated information

Download the media release in language:

Chinese – Simplified  |  Chinese – Traditional  |  Hindi  |  Korean  |  Nepali