Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a harsh reality for far too many Australians. It’s not just about physical harm—it’s about control, fear, manipulation, and silence that creeps into everyday life.
Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth),DVF covers a wide spectrum of abuse: physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic.
These behaviours often play out in intimate relationships or within families, behind closed doors but with deep, long lasting consequences to children and the people who care for them.
This article dives into the most up-to-date domestic violence statistics for 2025, drawing on research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
We’re breaking down the numbers, spotting the trends, and unpacking what they mean for real people—especially those who need support and safety the most.
At Unified Lawyers, we’ve helped many clients in the past five years navigate the legal fallout of DV. Our team combines compassion with expertise, offering real solutions when things feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re in danger, unsure of your rights, or just trying to understand what’s happening, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.
Forms of Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence doesn’t always look the same—it wears many faces, and each one does real damage. It’s not just bruises or black eyes.
Sometimes it’s the silent grip of control, the relentless put-downs, or the slow erosion of someone’s financial independence and self esteem.
- Physical abuse : This is the most visible kind—pushing, punching, choking, hitting, excessive discipline or any act that causes physical harm.
- Emotional abuse : Think threats, humiliation, gaslighting, and constant criticism designed to break someone down.
- Sexual abuse : When someone forces or pressures someone else to take part in sexual activity.
- Economic abuse : When a partner tightens the purse strings, stops someone from working, or takes full control of the finances, it’s more than unfair—it’s abusive.
- Coercive control : This one’s subtle but sinister—a calculated pattern of domination. It can look like tracking someone’s every move, cutting them off from friends and family, or micromanaging their daily life until they feel completely trapped.
In Australia, the law recognises the danger these behaviours pose. Victims can apply for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) in every state and territory.
These court-issued protections can include everything from barring contact to removing an abuser from the family home—whatever’s needed to keep someone safe.
Who is affected by domestic violence
Let’s talk numbers—because the scale of domestic and family violence in Australia is staggering.
In 2025, government data shows that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a current or former partner.
That’s not a fringe issue—it’s millions of lives disrupted, often behind closed doors.
Just in the past year alone, over 2.3 million Australians have reported living through some form of DFV.
We’re talking about everything from physical attacks to coercive control, threats, and relentless emotional abuse—each with ripple effects that can last for years, and even generations
These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re a loud wake-up call.
They highlight why we need serious, sustained action: legal reform, better frontline services, and community education that actually reaches people.
Campaigns are starting to shift the needle. More Australians understand what DFV looks like—including less obvious forms like economic abuse or coercive control—and more are stepping forward to seek help.
But there’s still a long road ahead, and the momentum can’t slow down now.
Prevalence rates among women and men
The gendered nature of DFV remains evident in 2024–25 data :
| Gender | % Experiencing DV (Lifetime) |
|---|---|
| Women | 17% |
| Men | 6% |
When it comes to domestic violence, women are far more likely to be caught in its harshest grip.
They’re not only experiencing it more often—they’re facing more severe forms, like repeated assaults and coercive control that chips away at their freedom and safety. Many live with a constant undercurrent of fear, making every decision feel like walking on eggshells.
That said, men aren’t immune.
Emotional and economic abuse can hit just as hard, but many men hesitate to speak up. Social stigma and outdated ideas about masculinity often keep them silent, making it even harder to get help.
To truly tackle DFV, we need support systems that see the full picture—ones that are gender-aware, inclusive, and practical.
That means better public education, strong legal options, and frontline services that recognise all victims, regardless of gender.
Who Is Affected?
While domestic violence can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender or socio-economic situation, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Some Australians face far greater risks than others.
Vulnerable groups like children, women with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities often bear the brunt of this crisis, facing higher exposure and bigger barriers to getting help.
- Children : Around 10% of Aussie kids live in homes where domestic violence is a reality. It’s not just the shouting or fear—it’s the emotional scars, disrupted learning, and mental health challenges that can stretch into adulthood.
- Women with disability : These women are 1.8 times more likely to be abused, often by someone they rely on for care. And when they try to reach out? Many hit walls—services aren’t always accessible or equipped to respond.
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities : The stats are staggering—Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to end up in hospital because of DFV. Deep-rooted inequality, historical trauma, and gaps in culturally respectful services all play a part.
What’s needed?
More than awareness.
We need tailored responses, culturally grounded programs, and wraparound support led by the communities themselves. Because safety and justice should be within reach for every Australian—no matter who they are or where they live.
Impact on Children and Young People
When kids grow up in homes marked by domestic violence, it doesn’t just pass them by—it sinks in deep.
It’s not just about witnessing arguments or fear; it’s about the long-term emotional damage that can derail their future relationships, education, mess with their mental health, and even lead to homelessness or trouble with the law later in life.
That’s why, under Australian law, exposure to DFV isn’t taken lightly—it’s recognised as a form of child abuse.
Courts understand the stakes. In parenting disputes, judges closely examine any evidence of DFV before deciding on living arrangements or visitation rights.
Their top priority?
Making sure kids are safe, secure, and supported.
If you’re dealing with a parenting issue where family violence is part of the picture, our divorce lawyers in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne are here to step in. We’ll help you navigate the legal maze with clarity, confidence, and care.
Domestic Violence by Region and State
The 2025 ABS report highlights how DV prevalence varies by location :
| State | % Households Reporting DV | Metro vs Regional |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 5.4% | Higher in regional areas |
| VIC | 6.1% | Urban rates rising |
| QLD | 7.3% | Balanced |
| WA | 6.8% | Higher rural rates |
When it comes to accessing help, where you live in Australia can make a huge difference.
In rural and regional communities, the challenges stack up quickly—fewer shelters, patchy legal aid, and limited support services make it harder for survivors to get the help they need.
Add in small-town stigma and long travel distances, and reaching out can feel almost impossible.
Meanwhile, in the cities, the situation looks different but is no less serious.
Urban centres might offer more resources, but they’re also seeing a surge in reported cases. Population growth, housing stress, and greater awareness are all contributing to rising DFV numbers in metropolitan areas.
The bottom line?
No matter the postcode or the size of your pay cheque, barriers exist—and solutions need to be tailored.
What works in Sydney’s inner suburbs might not cut it in far-western NSW or far Northern Queensland.
We need place-based strategies that meet people where they are, with the services and support to match.
Government & Community Initiatives
Australia’s fight against domestic and family violence is being driven by some powerful partnerships and programs—many of which are reshaping how we prevent, respond to, and recover from DFV.
- 1800RESPECT : This is the front line. A 24/7 national support service that provides confidential counselling and crisis assistance to anyone impacted by sexual, domestic, or family violence. It’s often the first call victims make—and a lifeline in every sense.
- Our Watch : Focused on prevention, this organisation tackles the root of the problem—gender inequality. Through education, campaigns, and community engagement, Our Watch is helping shift the culture that allows DFV to thrive.
- Respect@Work : Born out of a national inquiry, this initiative is changing the game in workplaces by linking harassment and DV, and holding employers accountable for safer, more respectful environments.
- Legal Aid and local helplines : Across every state and territory, these services offer critical legal advice and support for those who might otherwise go unheard. Whether it’s help with protection orders or navigating the court system, these resources are essential.
For more detail on how these programs work—and where to find support—head to respect.gov.au and AIHW. Change is happening, and these services are leading the charge.
Consequences of DV
The ripple effects of domestic violence stretch well beyond the immediate trauma—they leave lasting scars that shape every corner of a survivor’s life.
- Health toll : Every year, more than 35,000 Australians are hospitalised due to DV-related injuries or the toll of chronic stress. These aren’t just statistics—they’re people dealing with fractured bones, head injuries, or the long-term impact of living in a constant state of fear.
- Mental health fallout : Survivors often grapple with serious mental health challenges, from PTSD and depression to anxiety and suicidal thoughts. It’s not just the violence itself—it’s the isolation, the fear of not being believed, the stigma.
- Homelessness and economic disadvantage
- Tragic loss of life : In the 2024–25 period alone, 58 women and 15 men lost their lives at the hands of a current or former partner. That’s more than one woman every week—and these numbers have barely shifted in recent years. It’s a sobering, devastating reality.
Tackling these outcomes isn’t a one-and-done fix. It takes an all-hands-on-deck response—mental health services, strong legal protections, and community support that doesn’t stop at awareness. Survivors deserve systems that don’t just respond to violence—they help rebuild lives.
FAQ’s
1. What are the statistics of domestic violence in Australia?
As of 2025, data shows that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced some form of DFV since age 15. The estimated 2.3 million Australians affected in the last year alone underscores the urgency of national reforms and sustained public awareness efforts.
2. How many women die from Domestic Violence each year?
On average, around one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner in Australia. This heartbreaking figure highlights the most severe outcome of domestic violence and the need for immediate, effective protective measures.
3. What is economic abuse?
Economic abuse involves controlling another person’s access to financial resources, which may prevent them from working, accessing their own money, or making financial decisions. It’s a legally recognised form of DFV in Australia and can significantly trap victims in abusive relationships.
4. Is Domestic Violence getting worse?
Reported cases of DFV have risen over recent years, partly due to better reporting systems and broader legal definitions. Increased media coverage and public education have empowered more victims to come forward, but persistent high rates show that prevention efforts must continue and evolve.
5. Are there legal protections?
Yes. Many forms of DFV are criminal offences. If appropriate, the police can lay criminal charges against the perpetrator or apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order on behalf of victims.
Victims can also apply for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) across all jurisdictions, protecting them from further harm. These can include specific conditions around contact, residence, and even digital communication.
Legal aid is available, and Unified Lawyers can guide clients through the legal system efficiently and empathetically.
6. How to support a friend in DFV?
If someone you care about is stuck in a domestic violence situation, knowing how to help can make all the difference. And no, you don’t need to be a lawyer or a crisis worker to step in—you just need to show up in the right way.
- First, believe them. That’s the single most powerful thing you can do. Listen without judgement, interruptions, or trying to “fix” everything.
- Support their choices. Even if you wish they’d leave immediately, respect that leaving isn’t always simple—or safe. Back their decisions, not your timeline.
- Share helpful info. Point them toward expert support—whether that’s a DV hotline, a trusted GP, the police or a legal service like ours.
- Pitch in with the everyday stuff. Whether it’s offering a lift to an appointment, helping look after kids, or just being there for a cuppa and a chat, small acts count.
And here’s the golden rule: don’t pressure them to take action before they’re ready. Your job is to keep the door open, stay present, and keep safety front and centre.
Where to Get Help
Essential Services :
- 1800RESPECT : 1800 737 732 – 24/7 support for those affected by DFV
- Lifeline : 13 11 14 – Crisis counselling and emotional support
- Legal Aid NSW : legalaid.nsw.gov.au – Legal assistance for eligible clients
- Legal Aid QLD : www.legalaid.qld.gov.au – Legal assistance for eligible clients
In an emergency, contact 000 immediately.
How Unified Lawyers can help
Domestic and family violence cases involve not only personal trauma but also legal complexities surrounding the safety and protection of yourself and the children.
Our experienced family law team can provide tailored advice to help you secure a Protection Order, so you and your family can ‘move on’ safely after separation.
In property settlement matters, DFV can mean :
- That one person is economically dependent on the other person and may need to apply to the court for spousal maintenance to assist them with their living expenses post-separation.
- A history of economic abuse may mean that one person may be hiding assets, has wasted assets, or is not paying as much child support as they should be.
At Unified Lawyers we can help you access the financial settlements that you are entitled to, and assert your rights in family court.
In parenting matters, our specialist DFV lawyers can help you feel safe and comfortable during your appointments and at court so you won’t feel triggered.
We advocate your case to ensure you, and the children are protected from ongoing DVF and trauma. This means:
- Gathering your best evidence and harnessing expert evidence on DFV in your case.
- Applying for an urgent recovery order if the other parent has taken your child.
- If necessary, seeking orders for supervised contact or minimal contact with the other parent.
- In some cases, seeking orders allowing you to relocate with the children away from the perpetrator of DVF.
At Unified Lawyers, we specialise in guiding clients through these challenges with professionalism, empathy, and care. We support survivors of DFV to make the best, informed decisions in the circumstances.
We understand that confidentiality, urgency, and clarity are crucial. We work closely with social workers, health professionals, and other service providers to offer holistic support.
Unified Lawyers brings together a strategic approach with compassion. Whether it’s applying for an ADVO or representing you in court, we’re by your side at every step. If you or someone close to you is experiencing DFV, reach out today—we’re here to help you reclaim safety, dignity, and peace of mind.
