In November each year, White Ribbon day, which is the world's largest movement to end men's violence against women and girls, is observed. Russell Kennedy supports White Ribbon day in Australia. To learn more about White Ribbon Australia, please click here What is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence can occur in many forms including: Physical abuse Such behaviour may include hitting, slapping, punching, pushing or restraining you in any way Verbal abuse This can include name calling, insulting you, threatening or harassing you Sexual abuse Such behaviour may include forcing you to perform sexual acts against your will, threatening you if you do not engage in sexual acts; Emotional/psychological abuse This can include ignoring you, gas lighting behaviour, controlling your movements; making threats of self-harm or suicide; Social abuse This may include isolating you from friends and family, reviewing your text messages, mail and emails, not letting you have a life outside of the home Technology facilitated abuse This may include recording you without your consent, sharing private photos or messages without your consent, tracking your movements, sending you unwanted gifts Financial abuse Such behaviour may include not letting you have access to your own debit or credit card, withholding money from you or restricting the amount of money you have access to, questioning you about purchase you have made r how much money you have spent Spiritual/cultural abuse This may include not letting you practice your religion, forcing you to follow a religion that you do not want to. If you have left or are thinking about leaving your partner because of an abusive relationship you should consider: Speaking to a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) at your local police station. The DVLO can provide you with advise in relation to an Apprehended Violence Order, charges being laid against your partner; Getting advice from a solicitor experienced in family law in relation to your financial and parenting rights as well what the best and safest living arrangements for you; Getting information from Centrelink about any financial assistance you may be entitled to and open a new bank account with a bank that you and your partner have not used ensure any payments are directed to that new account; Changing your passwords, setting up a new email address and phone number and only provide those new details to people you trust; Turning off all tracking settings on your phone, iCloud and social media accounts; Keeping your phone, phone charger, wallet, car, house keys with you at all times; Leaving your personal documents with a trusted family member or friend. These documents can include financial and legal documents, driver’s license, passport/s, birth certificates for your children, marriage certificate, medical records, Medicare details, Centrelink and/or immigration documents with you at all times or with someone you trust; Having an emergency bag of clothes packed for you and your children. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Russell Kennedy Lawyers can assist with developing a safety plan specific to your individual needs and provide you with advice about parenting and property arrangements upon separation.