Speaking Out On Domestic Violence In A Body Corporate

November 20, 2023

As of November 17, 49 women have been killed in Australia this year as a result of violence; 28 were allegedly killed at the hands of a male intimate or ex-intimate partner.

Preventing and responding to violence against women is a human rights, gender equality and public health priority.

More action is needed to ensure women in all their diversity live a life free of violence and coercion and as a community we can and need to do more to combat the horrific and all too common incidents of domestic violence in any form they take.

Being a good neighbour could save someone’s life.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic or family violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses violent or abusive behaviour to control another. This can include:

physical abuse
damage to property
sexual abuse
verbal abuse
harassment or intimidation
financial abuse, or
threatening to do any of these things.

Under Queensland law, domestic violence is recognised in several different types of relationships:

Spousal – this includes de-facto partners, biological parents of a child, or same-sex couples
Intimate personal – two people in an established relationship, which does not have to be sexual
Family – related by blood or marriage, or culturally related
Informal care – an unpaid carer who assists with day-to-day living.

It is important to remember that although the overwhelming percentage of domestic violence victims are women, men are also victims of domestic violence and incidences of domestic violence against men during the coronavirus pandemic has also increased.

So, what should you do if you suspect domestic violence in your strata scheme?

A fact about living in strata is that we are all packed in together. Anyone who chooses to live in such close proximity to others knows how important it is to create boundaries and respect one another’s privacy. However, sometimes the outside encroaches, and our neighbours’ business becomes our own, whether we like it or not.

You may be happily minding your own business and a situation presents itself that you can’t ignore?

Your neighbours’ yelling could be just a regular fight, or it could be something more dangerous? That distinction can be hard to make when you’re hearing it through a wall or from a few floors down.

If someone is in danger, well, then of course you’d want to help. But what if no one is, and you’re just being a busybody? What if you make the situation worse? There’s also the natural fear almost anyone would feel walking into a potentially violent situation.

Google ‘neighbours fighting’ and you’ll find Reddit threads and advice columns full of people trying to decipher the line between ordinary disputes and domestic violence.

When does it become my business? What should I do if I hear concerning noises coming from a neighbour’s apartment?

According to domestic violence experts, if you suspect any form of violence in a neighbour’s home you should avoid putting yourself at physical risk by confronting the offender. But keeping yourself safe does not mean keeping quiet.

You can call the police on 000, or you can also call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you are worried about your safety or your neighbourhood relationships, you can ask to remain anonymous, or ask that your name and details are not shared with the home you are calling about. (The police will honour and respect this request.)

Write down the date, time, and what you saw or heard because if the matter does go to court, these records can be used as evidence to help the victim. You can also use your phone to video or audio record what you are seeing or hearing.

Remember that domestic violence is not just physical abuse: it also involves verbal abuse, emotional abuse, social abuse, psychological intimidation, threats and so on.

So, you don’t need to ‘wait’ for it to escalate to physical violence to take action.

“What if I’m overreacting? I don’t want to cause a fuss”

If you are feeling worried or frightened about what you are seeing or hearing you don’t need to wait for it to escalate before calling for help, even if you’re not certain that someone is in danger.

It’s important to be vigilant. It’s more important that the situation gets checked out because you could save a life. If it turns out to not be too serious, or it’s a loud party or children playing up, the police are also trained in how to deal with that situation too. It’s more important to check on the welfare of people

Do not be afraid that you are wasting the police’s time. The police have stated repeatedly that they would rather come out and not find an issue, rather than not be notified and a tragic event take place.

Take comfort in the knowledge that you are shaping a community where people keep an eye out for the wellbeing of others and victims of abuse are being supported by neighbours and the police.

How to report domestic violence

Is the incident of domestic violence happening now? Is anyone seriously injured or in immediate danger? Is anyone’s life being threatened?

Contact the police on Triple Zero (000)

For all other domestic violence related matters, phone 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can make contact with a police officer or police station by submitting the following form:

Request contact with police

There is also a messaging service that allows vulnerable persons in Queensland to contact police for non-urgent matters through SMS messaging.
Register here

Learn how to recognise the signs of domestic violence and what to do:

eSafety Commissioner advice for women experiencing domestic violence
Connecting online is essential while many of us are at home, but it’s important to be aware of potential risks with the technology. If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, this advice may help you to continue safely using your devices and accounts during this difficult time.
Not Now, Not Ever. Together
Support someone experiencing domestic and family violence

Get help and advice

DVConnect Womensline