Are You Safe at Home? Day 2026: Ask, listen and believe to end family violence
Safe and Equal
Australians are being encouraged to take action against family violence on Are You Safe at Home? Day this Monday 11 May.
Family violence is a national emergency – and we all have a role to play in ending it.
That is the key message of Are You Safe at Home?, 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 what family violence can look like, what supports are available, and how to safely start a conversation if you’re concerned someone you know is experiencing abuse.
“Police and support services do crucial work to help people who are experiencing abuse – but many victim survivors will never come into contact with them, or only will when the violence has escalated,” said Christine Mathieson, Interim CEO at Safe and Equal, Victoria’s family violence peak body.
“That’s why our loved ones play such a pivotal role. They’re often the first ones to notice something isn’t right, and because of their connection and trust with that person, they’re in a unique position to offer support,” said Ms Mathieson.
“It’s so important they know what to look for and what to do if they’re concerned – and that’s the aim of Are You Safe at Home?.”
Tackling the “invisible” forms of abuse
A key function of the campaign is to raise awareness of all forms of violence – even those that can be hard to see from the outside.
“Any behaviour that instils fear in a person and is used to exert power and control over them is abusive,” said Ms Mathieson.
“That can be physical, but it can also be things like financial control, extreme jealousy, social isolation and gaslighting.”
While these behaviours can be more hidden from loved ones, it’s important to know the signs and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
“We often hear friends and family talk about noticing something small and feeling concerned, but brushing it off – out of fear, discomfort, or uncertainty about whether it’s abuse,” said Ms Mathieson.
“Ultimately, you don’t need to be an expert. if you see something that doesn’t feel right, speak up and don’t ignore it – you might be a lifeline for that person.”
The Are You Safe at Home? website contains a suite of resources for community members, including a conversation guide, animated video series in 15 community languages, and a support service directory for every state and territory in Australia.
Key statistics on family and gender-based violence
-
The prevalence of family and gender-based violence remains disturbingly high across the nation, with one in three women experiencing physical violence from a current or former partner since the age of 15. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
-
In 2025, at least 79 women were killed in acts of family and gender-based violence. (Australian Femicide Watch)
-
The number of family violence offenders across Australia rose by 8 per cent in 2024-25. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
-
In Victoria, the number of family violence incidents attended by police has reached an all-time high, with 106,430 incidents recorded in 2024-25 – an increase of 8 per cent. (Crime Statistics Agency Victoria)
About us:
About Safe and Equal:
Safe and Equal is the peak body for Victorian organisations that specialise in family and gender-based violence across the continuum, including primary prevention, early intervention, response and recovery.
Contact details:
Melanie Scammell
Media and Communications Advisor