Skip to content
logo_australian-government-department-of-health-disability-and-ageing.svg
Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile.
Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.
  1. Home/
  2. Parenting and family/
  3. Family violence and abuse

Find a health service

Search now

Family violence and abuse

Domestic violence and abusive relationships

Domestic violence (family violence) is when someone uses violence to maintain power over someone they're close to. Learn about what to do if affected.
Learn more

Family violence during pregnancy

Family or domestic violence (DV) can begin or become worse during pregnancy – find out what to do if you or someone you know needs help.
Learn more

How family violence affects babies and children

Domestic and family violence can affect babies and children. Find out about the impact of DV on babies and children and where you can get help.
Learn more

Recognising signs of child abuse

When a child is being abused, there are warning signs you can look for. Learn about the 4 types of child abuse and how to report it.
Learn more

Sexual assault and rape

Find out what to do if you are sexually assaulted or raped, including how to get medical help, and what support services are available.
Learn more

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 022 222
Video call
logo-pbb.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.

About
About Pregnancy, Birth and BabyAbout our contentInformation partnersOur privacy commitmentTerms of useHow we use AIPromotional material
Explore
A to Z topicsDue date calculatorFind local health servicesGlossary of pregnancy and labourPregnancy and parenting in picturesPregnancy and baby appsSymptom Checker
Connect
Contact usVideo callNewslettersLink to usConsumer engagement

Follow

logo_dep-health_white.svglogo-hda-white.svg

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2026 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.