Domestic & family violence support in Melbourne.
Domestic violence — also called intimate partner violence — is far more common than most people realise, and people living with it often feel enormous pressure to say nothing, out of fear or shame. It affects women in large numbers, and research increasingly documents men's experiences too. It can be physical, but also emotional, financial, sexual or controlling — and the invisible forms leave real injuries.
This is an area of genuine specialisation for us: our Principal Psychologist completed his doctoral thesis on intimate partner violence and has worked in this area throughout his career — with people experiencing violence, people recovering from it, and people seeking to change their own behaviour.
Wherever you are in this.
If you're experiencing it
A confidential space to talk through what's happening, understand the patterns, and think through your options — at your pace, with no pressure toward any particular decision.
If you've left
Recovery after violence — rebuilding safety, trust and identity, and treating the trauma responses, anxiety and depression that often follow.
If it happened long ago
The effects of past violence — in childhood or a former relationship — that still shape relationships, self-worth and safety today.
If you're a man experiencing it
Men experience intimate partner violence too, and often face particular barriers to being believed. You will be taken seriously here.
If you're worried about your own behaviour
Recognising harm in how you act toward a partner — or fearing you're capable of it — and wanting to change is significant. We provide individual psychological work focused on genuine behaviour change.
If you're supporting someone
Watching someone you love in a violent relationship is its own burden, and support for you is legitimate too.
One important note: where violence is present in a relationship, individual work — not couples counselling — is the safe and appropriate starting point.
Specialist understanding matters here.
Intimate partner violence is psychologically complex — the fear and the attachment, the cycles of escalation and reconciliation, the erosion of self-worth that makes leaving harder, the shame that keeps it secret. Working with it well requires more than general counselling skills, which is why our Principal Psychologist's doctoral research and ongoing clinical focus in this area matter. Therapy is shaped to where you are: safety and support if you're still in the relationship; trauma-focused treatment and rebuilding if you've left; and structured, honest behaviour-change work for people who use violence and want to stop. Sessions are confidential, and telehealth is available where attending in person is difficult.
Frequently asked questions.
I'm not sure what's happening counts as domestic violence.
Violence isn't only physical. Intimidation, control of money or movement, isolation from friends and family, constant criticism, monitoring, and sexual coercion are all forms of intimate partner violence. If you're asking the question, it's worth talking to someone.
Will you tell me to leave?
No. Leaving is complex and can carry its own risks, and the decision is yours. Our role is to support your safety and wellbeing wherever you are — while you stay, if you leave, and after.
Is what I tell you confidential?
Yes — sessions are confidential, with the standard limited exceptions that apply to all psychologists (primarily around serious risk of harm), which we explain clearly at your first session. See our confidentiality page.
I'm worried about my own behaviour. Can I really come?
Yes — and doing so is a serious, worthwhile step. Our Principal Psychologist has experience working with people who use violence in relationships, and the work is honest, structured and focused on genuine change.
Do I need a referral?
No — you can book directly. A GP referral with a Mental Health Treatment Plan is only needed if you'd like to claim the Medicare rebate.
Talking about it is the turning point.
Whatever your situation, a confidential conversation with someone who genuinely understands this area is a safe place to start.
In immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 support: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Safe Steps (1800 015 188).
Reviewed by Dr Simon Vincenzi, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clarity Psychology.