Document Archive
Family Stress at Christmas time
For some people the Christmas period can be a time of high stress. While for many families, Christmas is a time for celebration, relaxing and holidays, it is also the most likely time of the year for many people to experience anxiety and depression, particularly those...
Ageing transition points: Is there potential for family conflict?
In November 2014, Relationships Australia asked visitors to our website to participate in a two minute survey that asked them whether they were concerned about ageing related family conflict. Previous research finds that… There is a range of age-related transition...
Acknowledging and dealing with anger
Anger can be frightening due to its intensity and possible consequences. Anger can be expressed by verbally attacking the person you are upset with; shouting and screaming; using physical force such as hitting, pushing or punching the other person; or using...
Domestic and family violence – controlling and violent relationships
Some relationships involve behaviour that is damaging to the other partner and, in some cases, may be criminal. Healthy relationships are based on equality and respect between partners. When one partner tries to control the other partner, it can be harmful to both...
Problems with sex
How do you feel about your sexual relationship? Does sex usually leave you both feeling satisfied? If you are feeling dissatisfied with the sexual aspects of your relationship, or if one of you has less interest in sex than the other, the problems may be connected to...
When is a good time to seek professional relationship help?
The sooner that you act on issues, the easier they may be to resolve. If your relationship is in difficulty professional support can help you identify the issues and strategies to improve your lives. Family dispute resolution practitioners (family mediators) can work...
Safety Plan
If you have experienced violence in the home, you and your children may have to leave in a hurry. There are a number of things you can do to be prepared in case you decide that you must leave. Actions In considering your Domestic Violence Safety Plan you can: have a...
How violence and abusive behaviour affects children
The forgotten victims of family violence are often the children. The impact is long term and difficult to erase. Even if the children are not physically abused themselves, they will often witness, hear or see the signs of abuse. Some people think that no harm is done...
Is gambling affecting your relationships?
Gambling can affect couple relationships and relationships with children, extended family, friends and work colleagues. When gambling affects your health, your work, your ability to support yourself and your family, and when your partner, family, friends and...
Separation or divorce is a complex process – what should I do?
When a couple decides they want to separate, many decisions need to be made. Practical issues Some of the practical issues to be resolved as part of a separation include: setting up separate residences, and, often, finding somewhere to live in a hurry sorting out...