Domestic Violence

Domestic violence or domestic abuse can happen to anyone.

It can take many different forms and is by no means just limited to situations where there is physical violence.

The term domestic violence also extends to situations of sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse, verbal abuse, stalking and intimidation, social and geographic isolation, cruelty to pets, damage to property or threats of using violence in any of these ways.  

Domestic violence is also not limited to violence that occurs in family, romantic or sexual relationships.  Under the law, you are considered to have a domestic relationship with another person if you are (or have been) living in the same household.

This means that domestic violence can occur between housemates in a shared housing arrangement.   

Depending on your personal circumstances and the type of agreement you have, there can be a range of different options available to end your tenancy.

If you are not sure of what type of agreement you have, head to the 'Legal Situation’ page or call your local Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service for further advice.

 International students living and studying anywhere in NSW can also receive tenancy advice from Redfern Legal Centre's International Students Practice in addition to their local Tenancy Service.