What to do

Some violent partners try to retain control over their ex-partner after they have left, and may continue to be intimidating and abusive

If this is the case, you may consider taking steps to increase your safety. You can apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) that restricts your ex-partner from contacting you in any way, or the police can apply for an ADVO on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can visit the Apprehended Violence Orders page.

important to cover your tracks, especially when you are using the phone or the computer

MOBILE PHONE

There are many mobile device applications that can be used for stalking and monitoring

If the phone was a gift from your partner and or you are feeling concerned, it is advisable to have the phone checked for tracking apps or devices, including any phones your children have.

There are location applications on all smart phones that can be turned off. Please refer to your device’s operating manual on how to disable location based services on your smart phone. This will affect all maps and any apps with location services but may stop someone being able to track your whereabouts. Consider all other apps on the phone and ensure that maximum security settings are in place.

If any harassing or threatening SMS or voice messages are received, keep these as they may be able to be used as evidence in court. It is recommended that you seek support from the police or a lawyer close to the time of threat.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET SAFETY

Abusers often use ways of controlling or monitoring their victim’s actions, which can include their online activities

Internet browsers generally record the websites that an internet user has visited, and some programs can allow a computer user’s actions to be tracked without them being aware of it.

It is safer to use public computers such as libraries and internet cafes if you are concerned.

You can find more information about computer safety and deleting internet history by clicking here.

A person in or who has left a domestic violence relationship must take care when using social networking such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media that can log your location. Simple precautions include not revealing your location and being mindful of photo uploads that have GPS information attached.

The police should be consulted if you think your mobile phone or computer privacy has been compromised.

that removes the violent person allowing you and your children to remain safely in your home.

Staying Home Leaving Violence caseworkers:

• Help you work with police and the courts to remove your violent partner;
• Support you through the separation;
• Help with housing and money matters; and
• Improve your family’s safety

In addition, caseworkers from the NSW Domestic Violence Line can help you work out what extra services you need.

Contact them on 1800 65 64 63.

Further information

To prevent your violent partner from returning to the home, you can apply for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) that includes an ‘exclusion order’. Your local domestic violence court advocacy worker can help you arrange this at your local court. See the ‘Who to Talk To‘ section on this app for further information.

For people renting their homes, the law allows that if there is an AVO the victim may take over the tenancy and change the locks or security devices yourself, providing a copy of the key to the landlord.

Call the Staying Home Leaving Violence program in your area:

• Bega – Phone: 02 6492 6239

• Campbelltown – Phone: 02 4633 3777

• Dubbo – Phone: 02 6883 1560

• Eastern Sydney – Phone: 0439 414 673

• Fairfield – Phone: 02 9602 7795

• Kempsey – Phone: 02 6563 1588

• Lake Macquarie – Phone: 02 4943 9255

• Liverpool – Phone: 02 9602 7795

• Maitland – Phone: 02 4933 9540

• Moree – Phone: 02 6752 8027

• Mount Druitt – Phone: 02 9677 1962

• Newcastle – Phone: 02 4926 3577

• Penrith – Phone: 02 4721 2499

• Redfern – Phone: 02 9699 9036

• Shoalhaven – Phone: 0459 046 066 or 0459 046 077

• Walgett – Phone: 02 6828 1611

• Wollongong – Phone: 02 4255 5333

• Wyong – Phone: 02 4350 1748

1. Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) and

2. Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVOs).

An ADVO is an order made by the court to protect a person from violence, threats, harassment and stalking by a current or former partner, relative, carer or person living in the same household or residential facility.

An ADVO can include protection for your children. The ADVO restricts the behaviour of the person it is taken against (called the defendant) by placing conditions on them.

If the defendant does not obey the conditions in the ADVO, it is called a breach and police will investigate.

If you fear for your safety, you can apply for an ADVO directly at your Local Court or you can report your fears and experience abuse to the police and officers can apply for an ADVO on your behalf. Police officers must apply for an ADVO if they suspect or believe that a domestic violence offence, child abuse offence or stalking/intimidation offence has been, or is likely to be, committed.

Having children raises new issues and questions about domestic and family violence.

As a parent you might be trying to work out what’s best for the wellbeing of your child/children. It is often the case that men abuse their partners but not their children. However, even if children are not the targets, growing up in a violent home can have lasting negative impacts.

Further information on the impact of domestic and family violence on children and your options is available through the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (Community Services) website.

Whether you are thinking about leaving your partner, have left your partner or plan to stay, there are services available for you and your children.

Caseworkers at the Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) are able to assist and refer you to the services you need.

It is common for a violent partner to try to force family members to come back by threatening to harm the pet.

RSPCA NSW’s Safe Beds for Pets program was established to provide temporary housing for pets of people who are seeking refuge from domestic and family violence. The Safe Beds for Pets program is not a long-term solution to the housing of the pet, but it allows individuals who are experiencing abuse to secure their own safety.

Where possible, clients pay the veterinary and boarding fees at the time of service. All cases will be assessed on an individual basis.

For more information please email: safebeds@rspcansw.org.au or phone 02 9770 7555.

Even if you’re not married or living together, violence and abusive behaviour can occur in a relationship and this is considered to be domestic violence Even if you have just started a relationship, violent behaviour is never acceptable.

Under NSW legislation, you are considered to be in an intimate partner relationship’ and violent and abusive behaviour is against the law under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007.

If you need to talk to someone about your relationship, please call the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63.

1800RESPECT is Australia’s national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

Phone: 1800 737 732