Physical abuse
Hitting, pushing, choking or strangulation, restraining, threatening physical harm or preventing someone from leaving safely.
CalmPace Wellness · Support & Resources
Domestic & Family Violence Support
You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be heard.
Abuse is not always physical. It can leave you feeling frightened, isolated, controlled, confused or unsure of yourself.
Whatever you are experiencing, you do not have to navigate it alone. Support is available, and you deserve kindness, dignity and respect.
Are you in immediate danger?
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Police. If it is not safe to speak, follow the operator’s instructions.
Your safety comes first. Quick exit opens another website. It does not clear your browsing history or prevent device monitoring.
Understanding domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence is not only about physical injuries. It involves patterns of behaviour used to intimidate, control, frighten or harm another person. It can happen in intimate relationships, after separation, and within families.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Humiliation, insults, threats, manipulation, intimidation, gaslighting, constant criticism and making someone question their reality.
Financial abuse
Controlling access to money, withholding essential resources, preventing employment, taking wages or creating debts in another person’s name.
Coercive control
A pattern of domination through threats, surveillance, isolation, restrictive rules and punishment that takes away someone’s freedom and independence.
Sexual abuse
Any sexual activity without freely given consent, sexual coercion, unwanted touching, reproductive control or pressure to engage in sexual acts.
Technology-facilitated abuse
Monitoring messages, tracking location, demanding passwords, using spyware, threatening to share intimate images or controlling online communication.
Social isolation and family-related abuse
Preventing contact with friends or family, threatening children or pets, using children to exert control, or interfering with parenting and support relationships.
You do not need to experience every form of abuse for your situation to be serious. You do not need visible injuries to deserve support.
Find support — you are not alone
DVConnect
Womensline: 24/7
Free, confidential crisis counselling, safety planning, emergency transport, refuge accommodation referrals and practical support for people experiencing domestic and family violence in Queensland.
Womensline: 1800 811 811
Mensline: 1800 600 636
Mensline operates 9am–midnight, seven days a week, supporting men experiencing or using violence.
The Women’s Centre
A welcoming, supportive service in Townsville for women experiencing distress, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness and other difficult life circumstances. Offers information and pathways to specialist support.
(07) 4775 7555
118 Charles Street, Aitkenvale, Townsville
DVNQ
Specialist domestic and family violence support in Townsville and North Queensland, including crisis advocacy, safety planning, court support, help with Domestic Violence Orders, counselling and referrals to safe accommodation.
(07) 4721 2888
263 Ingham Road, Townsville
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm. Walk-in support available.
What if I’m not ready to leave?
Some people are not ready to leave an abusive relationship. Others may be unable to leave because of financial circumstances, children, housing, fear, immigration concerns or emotional attachment.
You deserve support whether you stay, are considering leaving, or have already left.
Leaving can sometimes increase danger. You do not have to make a decision today. A domestic violence specialist can help you understand your options and develop a personalised safety plan.
If it is safe to do so, consider speaking with a trusted person, identifying somewhere you could go in an emergency, and seeking professional advice about protecting important documents, children, pets and access to money. Avoid making changes that could alert someone monitoring or controlling you.
If you have experienced strangulation or choking, seek urgent medical assessment even if there are no visible injuries.
Additional confidential support
1800RESPECT
National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling — 24/7
Queensland Sexual Assault Helpline
7:30am–11:30pm, every day
Kids Helpline
Confidential support for young people aged 5–25