Social workers Dee and Danae from the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service are interviewed by Cat Schofield (Executive Director of Nursing and Director of Services for Statewide Mental Health Services) for our Family Violence Prevention Month series.

In their conversation, Cat, Dee and Danae discuss what healthy relationships look like and how we can spot the red flags of family violence, including coercive control tactics such as isolation and economic abuse. They also explore tools we can use to think about our and others’ relationships.

Dee and Denae explain the impact of family violence on adults and children, and why leaving isn’t always straightforward. 

The conversation also offers practical advice for professionals and the wider community on how to recognise concerns, have safe and supportive conversations, and respond with empathy and care.

Resources:

• Duluth Power and Control Wheel
• Cycle of Abuse (also known as the Cycle of Violence) on the Lifeline website.

Support:

If this episode has raised any concerns for you, you can call 1800 RESPECT, that’s 1800 737 732, to talk to a counsellor from the national sexual assault and domestic violence hotline.

Alternatively, you could call Tasmania’s Family Violence Counselling and Support Service on 1800 608 122.

If you have concerns about your safety or that of someone else, please contact police or call 000 for emergency help.