Domestic violence must be understood in the context of unequal relations of power between men and women and children. In the patriarchal structures of our society, men have greater access to power than do women or children.

Domestic violence is the result of this unequal power relationship and it also reinforces it. Those who perpetrate domestic violence often believe they have a 'right' to control and coerce women and children.

Domestic Violence includes all types of violence

Domestic violence includes physical, verbal and emotional abuse, stalking, abduction and confinement, deprivation of cultural and spiritual rights, humiliation, harassment, intimidation, denial of access to money and resources, isolation from support, sexual abuse and assault including rape and incest, threat of or actual abuse, and, as part of the continuum of violence, murder.

Domestic Violence occurs in all types of relationships

Domestic violence can occur within all relationships of a personal nature, including heterosexual or lesbian, marital or defacto, extended families and ex-relationships.

Domestic Violence-Power Disparities based on Cultural Background

The NSW Women’s Refuge Movement acknowledges the disadvantages experienced by women and children’s experience as a result of discriminatory policies, practices and attitudes in our society based on cultural background.

Domestic violence is a breach of Human Rights

Domestic violence is a violation of human rights. It is a crime against the individual and against society. Domestic violence is a problem for the whole of society and not just an individual or private problem.

Domestic violence is a crime

Domestic violence is a crime and must be responded to as such. The perpetrator is solely responsible for domestic violence.

Domestic Violence requires a comprehensive response

A comprehensive response to domestic violence must involve government and community and include:

• Advocacy for the rights of individual women and children as well as for society as a whole;
• Change to the patriarchal structures of our society as they are reflected in the political, legal, economic, and social systems and as they occur in institutions and government departments
• Removing barriers to women and children's safety and empowerment wherever they occur.

Children experiencing domestic violence have particular needs

The NSW Women’s Refuge Movement recognises that children have some needs that are separate to their mothers. Providing specific support for children is a crucial component of an effective response to domestic violence.

The NSW Women’s Refuge Movement is committed to breaking the cycle of violence through providing effective support for children who have experienced domestic violence.