Each May, communities across Australia mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, promote prevention, and reaffirm that family and domestic violence is not inevitable, acceptable, or unavoidable.
Family and domestic violence is a gendered issue, driven by inequality and power imbalances. It takes many forms, including physical, emotional, financial and psychological abuse, and coercive control. While it affects people from all walks of life, women and children are overwhelmingly impacted.
Why awareness matters
Violence thrives in silence, misinformation and minimisation. Awareness helps:
- Challenge myths and victim‑blaming attitudes
- Make coercive control visible
- Encourage early intervention and help‑seeking
- Build shared responsibility for prevention
What we are seeing
Across our services and sector-wide, demand continues to grow, often faster than resources are building.
Workers are supporting people experiencing high levels of risk, complex trauma and housing insecurity.
Prevention Month is also about advocating for the workforce and systems that make safety possible.
How you can be involved
You don’t need to be an expert to play a role.
During May, you can:
- Learn more about FDV and its impacts – register for a free public course at https://events.humanitix.com/host/zonta-house-refuge-association-inc
- Talk openly and respectfully about safety and equality
- Host and attend community events
- Share trusted information
- Support fundraising and advocacy efforts
Ending family and domestic violence requires sustained action, not just awareness.
Prevention Month is an invitation to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward safer communities for everyone.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.
In an emergency, call 000.
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
13 Yarn 13 92 76
Zonta House 1800 870 149
Crisis Care 1800 199 008
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599
Rainbow S D & F V Helpline 1800 497 212
CWSW Service Directory cwsw.org.au/directory/
