Innisfail Domestic Violence Support Service

Home Innisfail Domestic Violence Support Service

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) is the use of violence or abuse in a relationship to maintain power and control over the other person. Behaviours can include:

Physical and verbal abuse
Non-consensual sexual acts and reproductive control
Emotional or psychological abuse
Threatening behaviour, including damage to property and threats to hurt a child, relative, or pet
Financial abuse
Stalking, monitoring, harassment, gaslighting, and isolation
Cultural, religious, and spiritual abuse
Denying bodily autonomy

What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours over time in a way that creates fear and denies liberty and autonomy. Major signs include:

Isolating you from your support system
Monitoring your activity throughout the day
Denying you freedom and autonomy
Gaslighting
Name-calling and putting you down, attacking your self-esteem
Limiting your access to money
Reinforcing traditional gender roles
Turning your children against you
Making jealous accusations
Regulating your sexual relationship
Threatening children or pets

You have the right to feel safe in your own home and community. You do not have to go through this alone. You are not to blame. Help is available.

The Cycle of Violence

What is the Cycle of Violence?

The cycle of violence describes a pattern of abuse in a relationship, typically characterised by repeated phases:

Tension Building (the “ticking time bomb”)
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Explosion
(Note: This doesn’t have to be physical — it can include emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse)
Reconciliation (apologies, promises to change, and love bombing)

This cycle repeats — and over time, the abuse often becomes more frequent and more severe.

The Cycle of Violence: Honeymoon Phase

Perpetrator:

Begs forgiveness
Promises to get support
Promises to never do it again

Victim:

Agrees to stay
Minimises what has happened
Attempts to stop legal proceedings
Sets up counselling for partner
Feels hopeful

The Cycle of Violence: Tension Building Phase

Perpetrator:

Moody
Withdraws affection
Yelling, threats
Drugs, alcohol
Sullen

Victim:

Walking on eggshells
Attempts to calm partner
Keeps children quiet
Stays away from family and friends

The Cycle of Violence: Explosion Phase

Perpetrator:

Verbal abuse
Humiliating
Hitting
Strangulation
Rape
Destroys property

Victim:

Tries to calm partner
Protects self, leaves
Fights back

Domestic Violence Support Service

Domestic violence can be experienced by people from any walk of life, culture, or age. You may feel isolated, confused, conflicted, ashamed, or afraid and like no one understands what you’re going through.

It can be difficult to seek help, especially when there are challenges or risks to leaving. You have the right to feel safe in your own home and community. You do not have to go through this alone. You are not to blame. Help is available.

At IYFC, our experienced Domestic Violence Support Workers provide:

Crisis support
Help with applying for or varying a Domestic Violence Order
Court support
Crisis counselling
Assistance with safety planning
Information, brochures and fact sheets
Information and referral to other services
Liaison and consultation with other agencies
DFV education programs delivered in the community

Programs

Women’s Safety Circle

An 8-week program for women who have experienced DFV or have concerns about it. This group promotes awareness of DFV, informs participants about their rights, and provides strategies to keep themselves and their families safe.

Better Changes for Our Futures

An 8-week program specifically for men that provides education on DFV, exploring tools and strategies for positive change while prioritising safety and maintaining a life free from abusive behaviours.