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Ozcare

Domestic and Family Violence Counselling

The Domestic and Family Violence Counselling and Support Service provides a free and confidential service to people affected by domestic or family violence.

The Service provides –

  • Counselling – face-to-face and telephone
  • Emotional support
  • Access to support groups
  • Information and referral service
  • Community awareness

A Counsellor will listen and assist the client to gain a clear understanding of problems and identify appropriate coping strategies and options for action.

Counsellors do not advise or tell clients what to do.  Rather, they help the client to make the best possible decisions for themselves and their families.

The service provides follow-up support, referral and information.

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and Family Violence is any type of behaviour one person uses to gain power and control over another person.  Forms of abuse can include:

  • Physical – including punching, slapping, pushing
  • Verbal – including criticisms, insults, name-calling and put-downs
  • Sexual – such as forcing someone to take part in sexual acts they do not want to take part in
  • Financial – such as controlling or depriving a person of money
  • Emotional or Psychological – including behaviours and comments used to undermine a person’s confidence.
  • Social – such as isolating a person from their family and friends
  • Damage – to property and pets
  • Harassment – such as constant telephoning or following a person
Domestic and Family Violence can also include threats to commit any of the above.

Domestic and Family Violence affects children and young people too …

Children and young people who experience violence can have feelings of sadness, fear, guilt, anger and confusion.  They can also experience behavioural and emotional problems after witnessing domestic and family violence.  Ozcare’s Counselling and Support Service can provide support and information to parents, including suggesting ways parents can assist their children.

Definition of Domestic and Family Relationships

Spousal Relationships – People who are married, separated or divorced;  biological parents of a child;  or two people of the same or opposite sex living together or who have previously lived together as a couple.

Intimate Personal Relationships – People who are or were engaged to be married to each other including a betrothal under cultural or religious tradition.  It also includes people who are or were previously dating and whose lives have become enmeshed.

Family Relationships – People who are relatives of each other by blood or marriage (including de facto) or regarded as a relative according to cultural beliefs.

Informal Care Relationships – a person who is or was dependent on another person to assist with activities of daily living.  The care cannot involve payment of a fee.

Funded by Queensland Department of Communities.
 

Published Date: June 27, 2008
Printed from http://www.ozcare.org.au/page/Our_Services/Community_Support/Domestic_Violence_Refuges_and_Support/Domestic_and_Family_Violence_Counselling/
© Ozcare

Contact Ozcare: Ph:(07) 3028 9000; Fax:(07) 3028 9199