Taking the first step to leave an abusive situation is incredibly brave. In Australia, the legal system and community services are designed to create a safety net for people experiencing harm at home or in an intimate relationship. Knowing how to report domestic violence is often the first step to regaining control and protecting your safety.
Domestic violence is not always physical. It can include emotional, financial, psychological and controlling behaviour. If you feel unsafe, intimidated or controlled, it is important to take action early and safely.
How Do You Report Domestic Violence?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. If you are not in immediate danger, you can report domestic violence to the police, contact a specialist support service or seek legal advice about your options.
In NSW, you may also be able to obtain protection through an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). Police can apply for an ADVO in appropriate circumstances, and a court can make an order to protect a person from further domestic violence.
The safest option depends on your circumstances. You do not need to wait until physical violence occurs before seeking help.
Recognising the Different Behaviours That Constitute Family Violence
Before taking action, it helps to understand what the law can treat as family violence. Many people hesitate to report because they feel their experience “isn’t bad enough”, especially when there are no visible injuries.
Defining Family Violence and Spousal Abuse
Family and domestic violence can involve a broad range of behaviours. These may include:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining or otherwise physically harming someone.
- Sexual abuse: Forced sexual contact, sexual assault or coercion.
- Emotional abuse: Constant insults, manipulation, humiliation or gaslighting.
- Financial abuse: Controlling money, restricting access to finances or stopping a partner from working.
- Psychological abuse: Behaviour intended to frighten, intimidate, manipulate or undermine another person.
- Social isolation: Deliberately preventing someone from maintaining contact with friends, family or other sources of support.
- Monitoring and controlling behaviour: Tracking someone’s movements, monitoring communications or otherwise attempting to control their activities.
NSW Police recognises that domestic and family violence extends beyond physical violence and can involve patterns of intimidation, stalking, psychological abuse, financial deprivation, social isolation and coercive control. NSW Police information about domestic and family violence provides further guidance.
Understanding the Psychological Impact
The psychological toll of abuse can be hard to name, which is why many people second-guess themselves. Forced estrangement, where an abusive person deliberately cuts someone off from friends or family, can be part of a broader pattern of isolation and control.
Reporting non-physical abuse matters just as much as reporting physical threats. You do not have to wait until you have visible injuries before seeking support or legal advice.
5 Essential Steps on How to Report Domestic Violence Safely
If you are experiencing domestic violence, the right steps will depend on your circumstances. Your immediate safety should always come first.
1. Contact Emergency Services if You Are in Immediate Danger
If there is a threat to your life, you are being assaulted, you are being followed or you believe you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Police can attend your location, respond to the immediate risk and take steps available to them under NSW law to protect you. NSW Police advises people to call 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.
For more information, see the NSW Police information about Apprehended Violence Orders.
2. Contact a Confidential Domestic Violence Support Service
If you are not in immediate danger but need support to plan your next steps, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. The national service provides counselling, information and referrals for people experiencing or at risk of domestic, family and sexual violence.
1800RESPECT is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, SMS, online chat and video call. You can also use its service directory to find relevant support services.
Contact 1800RESPECT for confidential support and safety-planning information.
If you are in NSW, the NSW Domestic Violence Line is available 24 hours a day on 1800 656 463. You can also contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 for legal information and referrals.
The NSW Government provides current contact information for the NSW Domestic Violence Line and other support services.
3. Report the Abuse to Police or Seek Legal Advice
You can report domestic violence to the police even if the behaviour has not resulted in physical injury. Explain what has happened, including any threats, intimidation, stalking, financial control, isolation, property damage or other behaviour that has made you feel unsafe.
If it is safe to do so, provide relevant information such as messages, photographs, financial records or details of previous incidents. However, do not put yourself at greater risk to collect evidence.
If you are unsure whether you should make a police report, a domestic violence support service or lawyer can help you understand your options and plan the safest next step.
4. Consider Whether You Need a Protection Order
After an initial report, many people need a court order to stop certain conduct and create a clear legal boundary. People often search for a “restraining order”, but the name of the protection order depends on the state or territory.
Common terms used across Australia include:
| State or Territory | Common Protection Order |
|---|---|
| NSW | Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) |
| Queensland | Domestic Violence Order (DVO) |
| Northern Territory | Domestic Violence Order (DVO) |
| Victoria | Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) |
| ACT | Family Violence Order (FVO) |
| Tasmania | Family Violence Order (FVO) |
| Western Australia | Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) |
| South Australia | Intervention Order |
In NSW, there are two types of Apprehended Violence Orders: an ADVO, which relates to a domestic relationship, and an APVO, which generally relates to situations where there is no domestic relationship, such as disputes involving neighbours or co-workers.
For more information, see NSW Police’s information about AVOs.
5. Make a Safety Plan and Arrange Ongoing Support
Reporting domestic violence is only one part of protecting yourself. Depending on your circumstances, you may need ongoing legal, financial, housing, counselling or practical support.
A safety plan may include:
- Identifying a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly.
- Keeping important documents and essential belongings somewhere safe.
- Preparing a safety bag with documents, medication, clothing and other essentials.
- Keeping important phone numbers accessible.
- Considering how you can safely communicate with trusted friends, family or support services.
- Seeking legal advice about protection orders, children, property or other legal issues that may arise.
Safety planning should be tailored to your circumstances. If the person abusing you monitors your phone, computer or online activity, consider whether it is safe to search for information or contact a support service from that device.
What Happens After Police Attend a Domestic Violence Incident?
When police attend a domestic violence incident in NSW, they may investigate what has happened, speak with people involved and consider whether a protection order is necessary.
Under NSW law, police can apply for a provisional order in circumstances where the legal requirements are met and immediate protection is needed. A provisional order can provide protection while the matter progresses through the court process.
The Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 contains the relevant provisions governing provisional orders and Apprehended Violence Orders in NSW.
NSW Police also has specialist Domestic Violence Liaison Officers who can provide advice, support and referrals and assist with the AVO court process.
What Evidence Can Help When Reporting Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can involve a pattern of behaviour rather than one isolated incident. If it is safe to do so, keeping an accurate record can help you explain what has happened to police, support services or your lawyer.
Depending on the circumstances, useful records may include:
- Messages, emails or other communications containing threats or abusive behaviour.
- Photographs of injuries or property damage.
- Dates and brief descriptions of incidents.
- Records of financial restrictions or unusual financial activity.
- Information about stalking, tracking or monitoring.
- Details of witnesses who may have observed incidents or changes in your circumstances.
Do not take unnecessary risks to obtain or preserve evidence. Your safety should take priority.
Choosing Between a “Restraining Order” and Other Protection Orders
People often search for a “restraining order” when they are looking for legal protection from domestic violence. In Australia, however, the terminology varies between states and territories.
In NSW, the relevant order for a domestic relationship is generally an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).
An AVO can include conditions restricting the defendant from assaulting, threatening, stalking, harassing or intimidating a protected person. Depending on the circumstances, additional restrictions may also apply, such as restrictions on contact or approaching certain locations.
If you are unsure which type of protection is available, obtaining legal advice can help you understand the options that apply to your circumstances.
If You Move Interstate
If you are relocating to stay safe, it may help to know that domestic violence orders made in Australia on or after 25 November 2017 are automatically recognised and enforceable across Australia under the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme (NDVOS).
The Australian Government explains that local police can enforce the conditions of a recognised DVO regardless of where the order was issued. Orders made before 25 November 2017 may require additional steps to obtain national recognition.
For further information, see the Australian Government information about the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme.
A Note on Coercive Control and Evidence in NSW
Coercive control can include patterns of intimidation, isolation, financial restriction, monitoring and other abusive behaviours used to dominate a current or former partner.
In NSW, coercive control became a criminal offence on 1 July 2024 in certain circumstances involving a current or former intimate partner. The offence is contained in section 54D of the Crimes Act 1900 and concerns a course of conduct involving abusive behaviour where the statutory requirements are met.
The offence applies to conduct occurring on or after 1 July 2024. It is important to understand that not every instance of controlling or abusive behaviour will necessarily satisfy the elements of the criminal offence. The circumstances and the full course of conduct matter.
The NSW Government’s information about coercive control provides further guidance, while the Crimes Act 1900 contains the relevant legislation.
Because coercive control can involve a pattern of behaviour over time, keeping safe records may matter. The original article referred to the “Empower You” app as a tool for documenting incidents. If using any app or digital record, consider whether the person abusing you could access your device, accounts or records before storing sensitive information.
How to Help Friends and Family Report Spousal Abuse
Sometimes the person at risk is someone you care about. Supporting them in a calm, practical way can make a real difference without putting them under pressure.
Practical Tips for Supporting a Loved One
If you suspect a friend is experiencing family violence, listen without judgement. Avoid pushing them to leave before they are ready, because the time around leaving can be especially risky.
Instead:
- Help them prepare a safety bag with essentials such as documents, medication and clothes.
- Offer a safe place to stay, if appropriate, or help them contact a refuge or support service.
- Encourage them to speak to professionals who can explain reporting options safely.
- Respect their decisions and avoid blaming them for the situation.
- If they are in immediate danger, call 000.
Navigating the Reporting Process
You can report concerns to police, and if children are involved, you can also seek guidance from relevant child protection services. Police have specific responsibilities when they identify children who may be at risk of significant harm.
While you usually cannot force an adult to take legal action, steady support and good information can help them feel less alone and more in control.
What If Children Are Involved?
Domestic violence can affect children even when they are not the direct target of the behaviour. If children are involved, it is important to tell police or relevant professionals about any concerns for their safety and wellbeing.
NSW Police provides specific information about children and domestic and family violence, including circumstances in which children may be included in an AVO.
If you are concerned about the legal implications for parenting arrangements, an AVO, family law or child protection, consider obtaining legal advice specific to your circumstances.
Breaking the Cycle and Accessing Long-Term Support
Reporting domestic violence is an act of self-preservation. Whether you are dealing with physical harm or a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, there are pathways to safety through police support and protection orders.
You do not have to do this alone. Beyond the police and the courts, support services can help with crisis accommodation, counselling and practical planning.
If you need help understanding the legal steps or applying for protection, LEDA Lawyers can support you through the process and explain your options clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Domestic Violence
What is considered family violence in Australian law?
Family violence can include physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse. It can also include coercive or controlling behaviour that causes fear, intimidation or isolation. The precise legal definition and protections available depend on the relevant state or territory law.
How do I report domestic violence in an emergency?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Police can respond to an emergency and may be able to take immediate steps to protect you. In NSW, police may also consider whether a provisional ADVO or another protection order is required in the circumstances.
How do I report domestic violence if there is no physical violence?
You can still seek help and report domestic violence even when there are no physical injuries. Depending on the circumstances, relevant behaviour may include threats, intimidation, stalking, financial abuse, psychological abuse, isolation or coercive and controlling behaviour.
If it is safe to do so, keep records of relevant incidents and communications. You can also speak with police, a specialist support service or a lawyer about your options.
Is forced estrangement a form of abuse?
It can be. Deliberately isolating someone from friends and family can form part of a broader pattern of domestic abuse and control. The legal significance of the behaviour depends on the circumstances and the applicable law.
How do I get a restraining order or protection order in an emergency?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. In NSW, police can apply for a provisional order in circumstances where the legal requirements are met and immediate protection is needed. Longer-term protection orders may then be dealt with through the court process.
Can I report domestic violence on behalf of someone else?
You can contact police if you are concerned that someone is at risk, particularly if there is an immediate threat to their safety. However, an adult experiencing domestic violence may have their own decisions to make about reporting and legal action. Specialist support services can help you understand how to support them safely.
What should I do if I am afraid to report domestic violence?
If you are afraid to report domestic violence, consider speaking confidentially with a specialist support service such as 1800RESPECT or the NSW Domestic Violence Line. They can help you consider safety-planning options and identify appropriate next steps.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Need Help Understanding Your Legal Options?
Domestic violence can involve complex legal and practical issues, particularly where protection orders, children, property or criminal allegations are involved.
If you need advice about your circumstances, contact LEDA Lawyers to discuss your legal options.