When Something is Named it Becomes Visible
Agustina Mariani
A recent Monash University study on Intimate partner Violence (IPV) among young women, together with the latest national statistics from Australia, highlights the urgency of making this issue visible and the importance of knowing where to turn for support. For community members in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, specialist services and resources are available to provide guidance, safety planning, and assistance for those experiencing IPV.
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, whose report on intimate partner violence is available here, IPV is one of Australia’s most pressing public-health challenges. It includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, as well as coercion, threats and controlling behaviours within current or past relationships. Its impact extends across wellbeing, safety, education, employment and social connection.
Young women aged 18–34 are at the highest risk. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience disproportionately high rates of violence due to structural inequality and intergenerational trauma. Stress, mental health challenges and social isolation can further increase vulnerability.
Why Naming Youth IPV Matters
The Monash University study, led by PhD Candidate Bianca Johnston (link), amplifies the voices of 12 young women from diverse cultural backgrounds across Victoria, including five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. They share their experiences through stories and artwork, describing IPV as a deeply personal journey. Many began in relationships that felt loving and safe, only to face increasing control, fear and isolation.
Throughout each phase, they used resistance and safety strategies—often invisible to others—to navigate dangerous and controlling behaviour. Researchers emphasise that these strategies were valid and helped them survive their circumstances.
Many participants first faced abuse between the ages of 15 and 18, but lacked the language to describe it. Naming youth IPV helps ensure young people are seen, believed, and taken seriously—rather than dismissed as experiencing “teen drama.” The Monash University research shows that giving this abuse a clear name validates young women’s experiences, highlights the seriousness of the harm they face, and supports the development of appropriate, youth-focused services.
The Need for Youth-Focused Support: Resources for the Eastern Suburbs
Many young women said they didn’t know where to get help, highlighting the need for services that are easy to access and focused on young people.
When asked where the eastern community can find help, a Victoria Police spokesperson affirmed that specialised support is available locally. Box Hill has a dedicated Family Violence Investigation Unit with specialist detectives who enforce intervention orders, identify breaches and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. The unit responds to family violence across Boroondara, Manningham, Monash and Whitehorse. Police urge community members to believe disclosures and encourage victim-survivors to make contact. Officers can refer people to specialist services, including accommodation support. Safe Steps provides crisis support 24/7 on 1800 015 188, and anyone in immediate danger should call 000.
Whitehorse City Council invites community members to join a free online training session developed by FVREE, focused on recognising the signs of family violence, responding safely, and referring to specialist support.
The session will be held on Wednesday 26 November, from 7–9.30pm, via Zoom.
You can register here.
Support Services You Can Access
If you are at immediate risk → Call 000.
Safe Steps (24/7) – Support for people who identify as female. Safety planning and accommodation assistance.
Phone: 1800 015 188 | Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au | www.safesteps.org.au
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7) – Support for anyone affected by past or recent sexual assault.
Phone: 1800 806 292 | www.sacl.com.au
1800RESPECT (24/7) – National family violence counselling and safety planning.
Phone: 1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au
Kids Helpline (24/7) – Free, confidential counselling for ages 5–25.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Youth Law – Free legal assistance for people under 25.
Phone: (03) 9113 9500 (Mon–Fri, 9–5)
YoDAA – Youth drug and alcohol advice.
Phone: 1800 458 685 (Mon–Fri, 9–5) | www.yodaa.org.au
Headspace – Youth mental health support.
Phone: 1800 650 890 | www.headspace.org.au