FAQs

My boyfriend came home drunk, beat me up and forced me to have sex. The next day he was ever so sorry and loving, and he promised it would never happen again. But, he has said this before so what can I do?

Answer

I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to you. It's good that you have emailed us as there is help available to assist and support you.

The first thing is to make sure that you are safe right now.

If not, phone 000 (emergency services) immediately for assistance.

Unfortunately it is highly likely that your boyfriend will hurt you again so you need to consider leaving the relationship to ensure your future safety. This can often be a hard thing to do so do you have family or friends who you can tell so they can help you in this process?

The following are services that can help you:

The NSW Domestic Violence Hotline ph: 1800 65 64 63 is a 24 hour, seven days a week telephone line, which provides counselling on abuse and violence in relationships, and can give you referrals to a range of services such as counsellors in your area, accommodation, legal, police and community services.

The NSW Rape Crisis Service ph: 1800 42 40 17 is a 24 hour, seven days a week telephone line, which provides counselling and referral to sexual assault services.
You can also access their services including on-line counselling and information from their website:
http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/

If you are worried about the risk of pregnancy and the assault has happened in the past five days, then the emergency pill is available without a prescription from pharmacies. A sexual assault service will also assist you in obtaining the emergency pill.

You may want to consider applying for an apprehended violence order (AVO) to help keep you safe. This can be done whether you have left the relationship or are still with your partner. This link gives you information about an AVO

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/local_courts/ll_localcourts.nsf/pages/lc_avo1

You can also phone the following services for legal information and advice:
Lawaccess: 1300 88 85 29

Women's Legal Service:
02 9749 5533 or rural 1800 801 501

Domestic Violence Advice Line:
02 8745 6999 or rural 1800 810 784

Indigenous Women's Legal Contact line:
1800 639 784

To get more information on relationships and abusive behaviour have a look at these websites:
www.dvrcv.org.au/whenlove/

http://www.burstingthebubble.com/

which are really helpful in understanding what is happening to you. Here is some more information on domestic violence from NSW Health:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/topics/domestic.html

Always remember that it's not your fault and you need to be safe.

Phone 000 for immediate assistance at any time.