Domestic violence and women. At least 23% of women in Australia have experienced domestic or family violence, which represents approximately 2.2 million women. It is a pattern of abusive behavior through which one person attempts to control and dominate another person or persons. It is recognized that women experience domestic violence at higher rates than men. Domestic violence is often not recognized by others. A woman herself may not recognize that what is happening is domestic violence. Domestic and family violence occurs when someone in an intimate or family relationship attempts to gain and/or maintain power and control over another through a wide range of abusive behaviors. Relationship violence usually does not take the form of a single incident. It is an ongoing behavior that gradually ruins the victim's trust and weakens their ability to leave the abusive person. The severity and frequency of violence often increase over time. Abuse can be difficult to identify, because an abusive person does not always behave this way. Sometimes they can be loving and kind. forms of abuse include psychological, economic, emotional and physical. When a woman is constantly abused and humiliated, she may start to think of herself as worthless. Many women feel helpless. Many women stay in abusive relationships because they are too afraid to leave. If a woman decides to separate, it is not unusual for her to return to her abusive partner, particularly when adequate support and assistance is not available. It is extremely difficult to leave an abusive and controlling relationship. Women can often leave many times before finally leaving an abusive and controlling relationship. There are many reasons for this, including some of the following: ● ... halfway through the paper ... eventually reproduce that behavior. If you call the police or 1800 RESPECT, all information you give will be kept confidential. The police or authorities may investigate the case. If they are concerned about your safety, a court order may be made to stop the person harming you, such as an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).1800RESPECTCall 1800 737 732(National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counseling Service) They can provide 24 hour/7 day advice, support and referral to anyone whose life has been affected by sexual, domestic or family violence. Domestic Violence LineCall 1800 656 463 (Department of Family and Community Services) This is a 24/7 crisis support helpline. Child Protection HelplineCall on number 132 111 (Department of Family and Community Services) This is a 24/7 helpline for reporting child abuse and neglect