Respect Each Other: 'Call It Out' (COVID-19)

The Respect Each Other: ‘Call It Out' campaign is designed to bring all Victorians into the conversation around family violence depicting the irreversible damage that can occur when a home becomes unsafe. 

Forms of family violence

Family violence does not take one form. Physical violence is a fixture on a broad and troubling spectrum:

• Emotional abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Economic abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Coercion

These are all forms of violence with unique and lasting implications for victims.

There is a commonality shared across the categories of violence - each manifestation is underpinned by a power imbalance usually driven by gender inequality, discrimination and marginalisation.

Staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed how we navigate life. The impact Victoria's restrictions has on individuals, families, and communities varies. 

Physical distancing and isolation compounded by the multitude of stressors related to coronavirus (COVID-19) can lead to an increase in family violence.

For some, the financial toll is devastating. Jobs have been lost, budgets reconfigured, housing and food insecurity a reality. For others, staying at home has compromised mental health and wellbeing. 

Parents are home-schooling children, extra-curricular activities are temporarily unavailable, stress fatigue and uncertainty seem ever-present as we each do our bit to flatten the curve.

How we manage our own behaviour in this time matters. The way we treat our neighbours during this time matters. Together, we're flattening the curve. Together, we can educate ourselves about the warning signs of violence and call it out when we see it.

Whatever the additional pressures on families - and we acknowledge the current crisis is putting extreme pressure on us all - violence is never acceptable.

What to do if you suspect someone is experiencing family violence

Respect Victoria encourages all community members to be 'active bystanders'. This does not mean the onus is on citizens to detect, intercept and stop violence. Rather, we wish to raise awareness of the signs violence might be occurring and equip people with the skills and autonomy to safely intervene. 

Critical to preventing family violence during the coronavirus pandemic are neighbours. With many Victorians working from home, physical neighbours are uniquely placed to play an active bystander role.

Beyond neighbours who are placed within close physical proximity to potential victims, friends, family and colleagues are encouraged to tune in to subtle changes that may raise red flags.

Has the person you're concerned about stopped answering your calls? Is their partner screening calls on their behalf? Perhaps they're avoiding staying connected, coming up with excuses to minimise contact?

A safe way of checking in is using your own circumstances to reach out e.g. increase the frequency of contact by citing your own desire to stay connected.

Warning signs of violence

• Seeing and or hearing verbal abuse
• Noting fear or strain in a victim’s voice when attempting contact
• Difficulty contacting a neighbour, friend/loved one directly (victims of violence may have trouble accessing or speaking freely on the phone due to increased time and proximity to perpetrators of violence). 

How to be an active bystander

Learning to recognise the signs when someone is in danger and stepping in to help prevent the situation from escalating is important. Some simple steps to becoming an active bystander include:

• Tuning in (being aware of your surroundings – have you noticed sustained, aggressive arguments coming from your neighbour’s house?)
• Interpreting the problem (do I recognise someone needs help?)
• Feeling compelled to act (seeing yourself as being part of the solution to help – considering the difference that your actions could make by being an active bystander)
• Knowing what to do (consider what you would do and when you would do it)
• Intervening safely (taking action but being sure to keep yourself and those around you safe).

Recommended family violence support services

If you are experiencing family violence, help is available.

safe steps is a family violence support centre providing assistance for female-identifying people and their children. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 1800 015 188. More information can be found on the safe steps website

If your own behaviour is causing you concern, help is available.

If you are concerned about your behaviour and recognise your actions are putting family members in a harmful environment call the No to Violence Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491. More information can be found on the No to Violence website 

If you witness family violence or feel concerned for the safety of somebody in the community, help is available. 

Victoria Police are primed and ready to intercept. The force launched Operation Ribbon to respond to an expected rise in family violence incidents, 

If you are experiencing family violence, are concerned for your safety, or are in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance. More information can be found on the family violence page of the Victoria Police website.

Family violence support services for our diverse community

Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated, and practical support is available. Call 1800 105 303 or visit the Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services website.

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence is a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Call 1800 755 988 or visit the InTouch website.

Queerspace provides for community, by community counselling. Call Drummond Street Services on (03) 9663 6733 or visit the queerspace website.

WithRespect provides telecounselling and support services for LGBTIQ+ people of all ages and their families experiencing difficulty in their relationships, including family violence. Call 1800 542 847 (1800 LGBTIQ) or visit the WithRespect website.

Kids Helpline is an Australian free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Call 1800 55 1800 anytime for any reason or visit the Kids Helpline website.

Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older people. Call Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 or visit the Seniors Rights Victoria website.

Victims Support Agency is the official Victorian Government Agency helping people in Victoria manage the effects of violent crime, including legal considerations. Please call 1800 819 817 or the text service on 0427 767 891. More information can be found on the Victims Support Agency website.

To access a wider range of family violence crisis response information, visit the DHHS family violence crisis response and support portal.

This is new terrain for everybody. If you're feeling anxious visit the beyondblue website for information and advice.