By Téa Cozzuol
Domestic violence services across Australia are reporting increasing demand as more women seek support to leave abusive relationships, highlighting the ongoing scale of the issue.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in four Australian women has experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. Advocates say the figures reflect a deeply rooted problem that continues to affect thousands of women every year.
Support organisations say more victim-survivors are reaching out for help, placing pressure on shelters, legal services and crisis support systems already struggling to meet demand.
Domestic violence, also known as family or intimate partner violence, can include physical abuse, emotional manipulation, financial control and psychological harm. Advocates say the impacts can last long after the violence ends.
Cairns-based paralegal Mya Cozzuol, who works with women leaving/left abusive relationships, says the trauma experienced by survivors often continues even after they escape the situation.
Greater investment in crisis housing, legal assistance and counselling services is essential to support victim-survivors. Many women face financial hardship and housing instability after leaving abusive relationships, making access to reliable support networks critical for rebuilding their lives safely. The goal is to make the transition as easy and as safely as possible.
“Many women come to us feeling isolated and afraid,” Mya said. “Leaving an abusive relationship is not just about walking away. Survivors have to rebuild their confidence, their safety and sometimes their entire lives.”
She said stigma and fear can prevent women from seeking help.
“Many victim-survivors feel ashamed or worry they won’t be believed. We need communities where women feel safe to speak out and where support is available.”
Recent statistics also show the most serious consequences of domestic violence. Government reports indicate that, on average, one woman in Australia is killed by a current or former partner every eight days.
For many families, the impact of domestic violence extends beyond one survivor.
Nikki Cozzuol, a survivor of domestic violence and mother of a daughter who also survived severe abuse, said the experience can affect generations.
“No mother ever imagines their daughter will go through the same trauma they once did,” Cozzuol said. “Surviving domestic violence changes you, but it also shows how strong women truly are. Sharing our stories is one way we can help other women realise they are not alone.”
Support services say they are seeing an increasing number of women seeking assistance. In NSW, domestic violence shelters and crisis services report growing demand as women try to leave unsafe environments. This places pressure on already stretched support systems.
Experts say prevention is just as important as support. Education programs that teach young people about respectful relationships are increasingly being used to challenge harmful attitudes that can contribute to violence.
Advocates say domestic violence remains a national crisis, but they hope increased awareness and stronger support systems will help protect women and encourage more survivors to seek help.
Featured image: Paralegal and domestic violence advocate Mya Cozzuol (left) and Nikki Cozzuol, surviver and mother, marching in Cairns for a domestic violence rally. Photos: Téa Cozzuol
