Domestic and Family Violence

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is committed to supporting students experiencing domestic and family violence, helping them continue their studies while ensuring strict confidentiality and privacy.

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence (including physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional abuse by an immediate family member) or know someone who is, the following information may be helpful.

Definitions

Domestic violence

Domestic violence refers to acts of violence that occur in domestic settings between two or more people.

Family violence

Family violence is a broader term, that refers to violence between intimate partners and between family members. Family violence includes violent or threatening behavior or any other form that coerces or controls a family member to be fearful.

Coercive control

Coercive control is almost always an underpinning dynamic of family and domestic violence. Perpetrators exert power and dominance by using patterns of abusive behaviours over time that create fear and deny liberty and autonomy.

Behaviours

Violent behaviour

Is not limited to physical acts and can include:

Psychological or emotional violence
Sexual violence
Financial abuse
Spiritual abuse
Social abuse
Legal abuse
Reproductive abuse
Neglect
Stalking
Causing fear
Forcing you to behave in ways you don't want
Stopping you from living as you want

Recognising inappropriate behaviour

It is never okay for someone in a relationship to:

Threaten to harm you, your children, pets or people you care about
Intimidate you by following, harassing or refusing to leave you alone
Control your actions such as who you talk to and where you go
Cut you off from friends and family
Prevent you from seeing a doctor
Control your money
Use the legal system to scare you
Force you to have sex or engage in any sexual activity against your will
Touch you in ways or places you don't want to be touched
Prevent you from making decisions about reproductive issues, such as whether or not to have a baby
Say they will hurt themselves if you try to leave
Share private photos or videos of you without your consent
Monitor your technological devices
Say and do things that make you feel scared or unsafe
Damage your home or your belongings
Stop you from practicing your religion or cultural traditions
Physically harm you in any way

CDU Respect Now Always Support Fund

The CDU Respect Now Always Support Fund was established to provide immediate financial assistance to students who are survivors or victims of domestic violence. This fund aims to offer support during challenging times, allowing recipients to focus on their personal wellbeing. It is financed through the Student Emergency Fund which is open for donation by all. We thank those who have generously donated and enabled CDU to assist those in need.

The fund is open to all students and offers a one-time payment of $1,000. Recipients may use the funds at their discretion for essential needs such as accommodation, petrol, food or clothing. This flexibility ensures that the assistance can be tailored to each individual's unique circumstances.

This initiative aligns with CDU's commitment to fostering a safer and more supportive community for all.

Confidentiality and privacy is a priority. Any information you provide will be accessed only by the CDU Student Support Team. The information related to bank account and email address will be provided to the advancement team to facilitate payment.

Apply for support