What Are Our Rights

Our Constitution provides that:

Everyone has the right to be treated equally, and not to be discriminated against on the basis of their Gender
Everyone has inherent Dignity and has the right to have their Dignity Respected and Protected
Everyone has the right to Life
Everyone has the Right to Freedom and Security of the Person, including the right to be free form all forms of Violence
Everyone has the Right to Bodily and Psychological Integrity, including the right: To make decisions about reproduction; and To security in and control of their body

The Domestic Violence Act (DVA) provides protections to people affected by Domestic Violence.

The DVA provides that Domestic Violence includes a number of behaviours where they cause harm or imminent harm to safety, health or wellbeing within a domestic relationship. These behaviours include:

The DVA provides that a Domestic Relationship is one where two people:

Are/were married
Live/d together as if married
Have or care for a child together
Have or care for a child together
Are family members
Are/were engaged, dating, or in an intimate or sexual relationship
Share/d a home

The most important thing to know about Domestic Violence, no matter what the abuser tells you and no matter whether you have seen it happen to yourself or anyone else before, is that it is not right and it is not your fault.

There is no justification for Domestic Violence. Because Domestic Violence happens to so many people and is seen by so many people, the effect is that it is often thought to be a normal part of marriage or relationships. This is called ‘normalisation’. By speaking up and educating yourself, your children and others about domestic violence, you can stop the normalisation process and fight for freedom and equality in your family and community.