What is family/intimate partner violence?
Family/intimate partner violence can be described as harmful or violent behaviour that is used to control, threaten, force or dominate a family member through fear.
Family/intimate partner violence includes:
- Physical assault, such as hitting or pushing
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse, such as humiliation, threats or insults
- Financial abuse, such as taking away access to money for food or clothes
- Damage to property
- Threatening to harm other family members or pets
- Stopping someone from seeing their family and friends.
Family is defined as:
- intimate partners (e.g. a husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, de facto or same sex partner)
- ex-partners
- children, siblings or adult children
- stepfamily
- relative or extended family members
- a carer who is like a family member.
Source: Victoria Police
For immediate, 24/7 help
On campus, call Campus Security on 03 8344 6666
Off campus, call emergency services (police and ambulance) on 000.
The Safer Community Program
The Safer Community Program is the University's support service for people who have experienced inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour, including family violence.
If you choose to make a report to Victoria Police or take out an intervention order, we can support you to do so. We can also refer you to specialist family violence services and help you to deal with any impact on your studies.
Other support services
The following University services can also provide confidential support.
University Security
You can contact University Security at any time by calling 03 8344 6666. In any life-threatening situation, always call Victorian emergency services first via 000.
Counselling and Psychological Services
The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.
University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) Legal Service
The UMSU Legal Service is a specialist community legal centre that provides free and confidential legal advice to all currently enrolled students of the University of Melbourne.
University Health Service
The Health Service offers experienced medical doctors and nurses, with a depth of knowledge relevant to student medical issues.
Additional help and information
1800RESPECT
24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV)
The DVRCV is a state-wide resource centre working to prevent and respond to family violence.
Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
Victoria Police
Victoria Police provides policing services to the Victorian community. In an emergency, always call 000.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides anyone experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone, and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.
Reach Out
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents.
University policies and information
Student Conduct Policy
Provides guidance on matters concerning behavioural standards and expectations for students.
Student Charter
Sets out what students are responsible for and what they are entitled to expect.
Appropriate behaviour on social media
Outlines the University's expectations of students and staff when using social media.
Child Safety Policy
Outlines the University’s commitment to child safety and appropriate standards of behaviour towards children. It also guides the development of systems and processes that support the prevention and management of child abuse risks.
Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy
Outlines the standards, values and expectations for appropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Respect at the University
Outlines the University's commitment to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.
Student complaints and grievances
Guides you through the student complaints and grievances process.