Blog Post | 23 April, 2021
Sexual abuse is most commonly committed by someone a survivor knows, including an intimate partner.
There are many terms to describe sexual abuse in a relationship, including intimate partner sexual violence, domestic violence, marital rape, and spousal rape. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
No matter the situation, it is never acceptable to engage in sexual activity without consent.
Examples of Sexual Abuse in a Relationship
Some examples of sexual abuse and harassment include:
Rape
Forcing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent... Read more
Blog Post | 21 March, 2011
The Family Law Act was originally passed in 1975 but recently a number of amendments have been made. One of the key changes is the emphasis on the principle of shared parenting responsibility.
Shared parenting responsibility means that both parents have an equal role in making decisions about important issues that affect their children such as education, health and religion regardless, of who the children live with and how much time they spend with each parent.
This does not necessarily mean that children should spend equal time with both parents although it can be considered as an... Read more
Blog Post | 24 September, 2020
Should you break up with your partner? Or are you just going through a rough patch?
Every relationship has its issues. But while disagreements are normal, there are some problems that may make you question the future of your relationship.
In this article, we look at some of the ways to work through your problems, and some signs it might be time to let go.
When to break up
Every relationship is different, and only you know what’s best for you. These are just some signs your relationship may not be healthy.
Your partner is abusive
Abuse – whether it’s physical, emotional,... Read more
Blog Post | 01 May, 2020
What do you picture when you think of a controlling relationship?
Perhaps you imagine a partner who is physically aggressive. Or maybe one who dictates what their partner can and can’t wear.
While these behaviours are dangerous, there are many other signs of a controlling relationship that can be harder to spot. In fact, some people might not even realise when they’re in a controlling relationship. But whether these patterns lead to more severe emotional or physical abuse or not, this doesn’t make them any less unhealthy, hurtful, and damaging.
We asked Relationship and Family Counsellor... Read more
Blog Post | 13 May, 2024
Are there signs in your relationships which make you feel like something is “not right”?
Find out how to recognise the signs of a toxic relationship so you can manage the situation, set healthy boundaries, and safely leave if necessary.
What are the signs of a toxic relationship?
There are many signs and behaviours which can present as concerning within intimate relationships. The presence of one or more of these behaviours doesn’t necessarily mean that your relationship is doomed, but it may be time to consider your needs and emotional wellbeing:
Walking on eggshells
Does your... Read more
Blog Post | 29 April, 2021
The signs of an abusive relationship aren’t always obvious.
Some people might live in an unhealthy or abusive relationship and not realise they’re experiencing domestic abuse. This is because some types of domestic abuse – such as emotional and psychological abuse – can be more subtle than others.
Knowing the signs of an abusive relationship can help you know when to seek support for yourself and keep an eye out for the people around you.
In this blog post, we’ll look at:
Signs your relationship... Read more
Blog Post | 07 June, 2021
Are you worried you or someone you know might have an unhealthy relationship with food?
According to the Butterfly Foundation, ‘disordered eating’ refers to eating patterns that can include restrictive dieting, compulsive eating, or skipping meals.
The number of people in Australia with an eating disorder at any given time is estimated to be around 1 million – approximately 4% of the population.
Lifetime prevalence for eating disorders is ... Read more
Blog Post | 17 July, 2023
Humbugging is when a person makes unreasonable demands from a family member.
First Nations Elders can become vulnerable to humbugging as a form of financial elder abuse.
Here are some signs of being humbugged as a form of elder abuse, and some tips to protect yourself as an Elder, or protect your Elders.
Why does humbugging happen?
First Nations Families may struggle with the financial demands of living in colonised Australia, where employment opportunities and other pressures impact family life.
Some individuals and families may not have learned the skills of managing on a tight... Read more
Blog Post | 19 May, 2023
Coercive control is a form of abuse in which the abuser exerts power and control over the victim.
Older people are especially vulnerable to coercive control as a form of elder abuse.
In this blog post, we detail signs and examples of coercive control of seniors.
“Coercive control is at the core of domestic and family violence. It is a pattern of deliberate behaviours perpetrated against a person to create a climate of fear, isolation, intimidation, and humiliation.”
-Queensland Former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
“Coercive control might be subtle but it is insidious and it does cost lives... Read more
Blog Post | 06 May, 2021
Symptoms associated with children’s exposure to violence can be hard to spot. Child abuse and neglect isn’t just about bruises and other visible marks. Nonphysical abuse can be just as damaging for a child, as can witnessing abuse between other members of the home.
Experiencing and/or witnessing domestic and family abuse can seriously harm a child’s health, development and dignity. Every child from an abusive home is abused, whether the abuse is directly targeted at them or not.
RAQ Clinical Supervisor Karen Marshall explains, “Friction or conflict between parents/caregivers can contribute... Read more