About this campaign
Non-physical abuse can be just as serious and harmful as physical or sexual abuse but is often overlooked or excused.
Non-physical abuse can include financial abuse, social abuse, emotional and/or psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, technological abuse and stalking. Find out more about the types of non-physical abuse.
The No Excuse for Abuse campaign aims to raise awareness of non-physical abuse against women. It is an initiative of Our Watchand funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Young man sitting in living room: She doesn't know this, but I've set up my phone so I can see where she is at all times. But that's only because...[person keeps speaking by text blurs and can’t be read]
Young woman standing in hallway: Sometimes I forget things, and he can get pretty mad. But it's only because...[person keeps speaking by text blurs and can’t be read]
[Title on screen] There’s no excuse for abuse
Our Watch logo. End violence against women and their children.
Noexcuseforabuse.org.au
Young man sitting at an office desk: You know, now that we're engaged, I control her spending. But it's only because...[person keeps speaking by text blurs and can’t be read]
Young woman sitting on a bed: He looks through my phone every now and then. But it's only because...[person keeps speaking by text blurs and can’t be read]
[Title on screen] There’s no excuse for abuse
Our Watch logo. End violence against women and their children.
Noexcuseforabuse.org.au
The stats
Research shows that about 1 in 4 women has experienced at least one incident of non-physical abuse from a partner.
Research by Our Watch found that 50% of Australians believe that non-physical abuse between partners can be difficult to recognise. This was higher among younger people (aged 18-34), with 58% in this age group believing these kinds of behaviours can be tough to spot.
Our Watch has developed this campaign to help people recognise the different types of abuse and to understand that they should not be overlooked or excused.
If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.
If you or someone you know is suffering from any type of abuse call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
If you’re worried about your own behaviour and would like support or information, please call MensLine on 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours) or visit the MensLine Australia website.
For other services please visit our Help and support page.
Campaign impacts
Our Watch recently conducted two market research surveys to explore the impacts of the No Excuse for Abuse campaign with the target audience. The sample was made up of 3,192 men and women aged 18-44 years, living across Australia.
The research found that:
- 94% thought the message was important for the Australian community to hear
- 59% were more able to recognise non-physical abuse after seeing the ads
- 63% had better understanding that non-physical abuse is harmful, serious and inexcusable after seeing the ads
- 44% took positive actions after seeing the ads, including talking to their partners about their own or their partner’s behaviours, seeking further information or help, or sharing information with others.
Find out more about the impacts of the campaign by downloading a PDF version of the findings here.
Media enquiries
To contact Our Watch's media team, please email media@ourwatch.org.au or phone 0448 844 930.
Find campaign materials for promotion and social sharing here.