Australians are being encouraged to take action against family and gender-based violence on Are You Safe at Home? Day this Saturday 10 May.
Are You Safe at Home? Day is part of a national initiative developed by Safe and Equal to break down the fear and stigma associated with talking about family violence.
The campaign, now in its fifth year, provides clear information about the signs to look out for, what supports are available, and how to safely start a conversation if you're concerned someone you know is experiencing abuse.
"Family violence is an issue that will impact all Australians at some point, whether directly or indirectly, and many people experiencing abuse will never reach out to police or access support services on their own," said Tania Farha, CEO of Safe and Equal, Victoria's family violence peak body.
"It's really the people closest to them – their friends, family, neighbours and even work colleagues – who will see things that others don't, and who are in a unique position to offer help."
The prevalence of family and gender-based violence in Australia remains disturbingly high.
In 2024, at least 101 women in Australia were killed in preventable acts of violence. 2025 is following a similar trajectory, with at least 24 women already murdered this year. While these numbers are shocking, they are only the reported figures. Many deaths remain unreported and unrecognised as family violence, including missing and murdered First Nations women - meaning the true number of women and children killed is likely far greater.
Beyond these tragedies, an estimated 20 per cent of people in Australia report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
In Victoria, the number of family violence incidents attended by police has reached an all-time high, increasing 11.3 per cent from 94,166 in 2023 to 104,786 in 2024.
"The prevalence of family violence in this country is not a crisis – it's a catastrophe," said Ms Farha.
"And while there's no 'quick fix', we do know addressing this requires a whole-of-community approach – from the highest levels of government to every community and individual in this country."
Unsure where to start? Ask, listen and believe.
It can be confronting to know someone in your life might be experiencing abuse, said Ms Farha, and many people are scared they'll say or do the wrong thing.
"We often hear from people who have concerns about a loved one, but are unsure of how to broach the issue," said Ms Farha.
"There's a very real fear of offending someone, pushing them away, or putting them in danger. We want people to know that with the right approach, asking the question and offering support is always the best option."
"This is why we've developed 'ask, listen, believe' as a checklist of sorts."
Ms Farha says asking someone if they are safe, listening without judgement, and believing someone when they disclose abuse can make a world of difference.
"It's the simple but powerful act of letting someone know: 'I see you, I'm here for you, I'm ready to help you when you need'," said Ms Farha.
"There's no expectation for you to be an expert," said Cathy Oddie, a survivor advocate.
"Start by believing the victim survivor, be non-judgemental about their choices to remain in the relationship or not, check in on their immediate safety and direct them to where they can get appropriate support."
"Doing something as simple as providing a contact number for a service is like throwing a life preserver ring to someone who is drowning," said Cathy.
The Are You Safe at Home? website contains a suite of resources to help, including a conversation guide, animated video series in 15 community languages, and a support service directory for every state and territory in Australia.
"The message we want to get out to people is that while anyone can experience family violence, anyone can help end it," said Ms Farha.
"Whether you're worried about a friend, family member, a neighbour, or someone you work with – we're encouraging you to start the conversation."
"Trust your gut," said Cathy.
"We often think that as one person, we can't do much, but in my lived experience, that is incorrect. When people have the courage to speak out about family violence, they become part of a powerful collective movement and an unstoppable ripple effect of change."
