Domestic and family violence

Deakin recognises staff and students may experience situations of domestic and family violence that may impact upon their attendance or performance at work or on their studies.

For staff needing to access domestic and family violence leave please refer to the policy and procedure and email dfv-leave@deakin.edu.au.

Signs of domestic and family violence

For many reasons it can be difficult for someone to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence is any behaviour that causes physical, sexual or emotional damage or causes someone to live in fear. The non-physical forms of abuse can be just as damaging as sexual and physical violence. If someone feels disrespected, unable to be themselves, afraid to disagree or negotiate for what they want, this may be a sign of abuse.

Responding to disclosures of domestic family violence

Safer Community staff are trained to provide members of the Deakin University community with advice, information and referrals regarding family violence. Safer Community can assist with:

• advice and information on increased personal safety
• information regarding applying for a personal safety order (intervention order) through police or direct application to a Magistrates’ Court
• referrals regarding crisis payments to assist with immediate financial concerns
• referrals for emergency accommodation advice
• referrals to free legal services.

Business hours response

After hours response

Internal supports

External supports

Immediate response and attendance