Not Silent, Not Small: Domestic Violence Awareness
Trigger warning: This post discusses domestic and family violence.
Domestic violence isn’t someone else’s problem. It’s closer than you think. It happens in your street, your workplace, even in families you know and love. In Australia, 1 in 4 women experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime (AIHW, 2025). That’s millions of women whose lives are affected by fear, control, and abuse.
At Daughter of Fire, we believe fashion can do more than look good - it can raise awareness, spark conversation, and fund real change. That’s why this November, $1 from every tee sold goes directly to Women Up North, supporting women and children escaping violence in the Northern Rivers.
Physical Abuse: The Violence You Can See
Physical abuse is what most people think of first when they hear “domestic violence,” but it’s so much more than bruises. It’s hitting, slapping, shoving, punching, or restraining someone. It’s threatening harm, breaking things in anger, or using weapons to intimidate.
31% of Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 (ABS, 2023).
It’s not just the black eye - it’s the terror that follows. Being pushed or threatened can break someone’s sense of safety, even if it doesn’t leave visible marks. Physical abuse is violent, controlling, and never deserved.
Emotional Abuse: The Invisible Bruises
Emotional abuse is sneaky. It’s the slow erosion of confidence, self-worth, and independence. It’s gaslighting (“That never happened, you’re imagining it”), constant put-downs disguised as jokes, or isolating someone from friends and family.
23% of women have experienced emotional abuse (AIHW, 2025).
Emotional abuse chips away at the foundation of your life quietly but powerfully. It’s invisible, but heavy - and it’s still violence.
Economic Abuse: Power in Disguise
Economic abuse traps people financially to maintain control. It’s hiding your money, controlling pay, forbidding you to work, or forcing you to justify every expense.
16% of women have experienced economic abuse (AIHW, 2025).
Economic abuse is love in chains - dressed up as “helping” or “protecting,” but really it’s control. Independence isn’t a crime, and money shouldn’t be a weapon.
Sexual Abuse: Consent is Everything
Sexual abuse in domestic settings is about dominance, not desire. It can include pressuring or forcing sex, touching without consent, or manipulating someone into sexual acts.
22% of women have experienced sexual violence by a partner (ABS, 2023).
Consent isn’t optional. Sexual abuse violates boundaries, steals autonomy, and leaves deep scars. It’s about control - plain and simple.
Stalking and Harassment: The Shadow That Follows
Stalking isn’t just creepy; it’s controlling and terrifying. It can include unwanted calls, texts, social media monitoring, or physically following someone.
1 in 6 women have experienced stalking (ABS, 2023).
Stalking steals your peace. It turns your home, your commute, even your phone into a place of fear. Safety isn’t a privilege - it’s a right.
How You Can Make a Difference
Awareness is power, but action is what flips the script. Here’s how you can help:
Support the Cause: Every Daughter of Fire tee purchased this month donates $1 to Women Up North. That $1 goes straight into safe housing, counselling, and empowerment programs for women and children escaping violence.
Know the Numbers: If you or someone you know needs support, call 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732.
Share Knowledge: Talk about domestic violence, educate yourself and your community, and amplify feminist voices.
Volunteer or Donate: Local shelters, crisis lines, and charities always need help - even small actions count.
Why We’re Doing This
Every tee we make, every slide we post, every dollar we donate is a statement: we see violence, we name it, and we fight it. Fashion can be a conversation starter, a fundraising tool, and a way to hold space for survivors.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, save these numbers:
1800RESPECT – Domestic & Family Violence & Sexual Assault 24/7 Helpline: 1800 737 732
Lifeline – Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline – For children & teens: 1800 55 1800
