The Equanimity Project

Controlling behaviour isn’t passion — it’s a red flag.
It can be easy to mistake intensity for care at the beginning. Wanting to know where you are, who you’re with, what you’re doing. Framing control as protection, jealousy as love.

But over time, those patterns can become something else entirely — coercive control. A pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate, and take away someone’s independence.

It doesn’t always look like violence.

It can look like:
– Constant check-ins that feel like surveillance
– Being told what’s “appropriate” to wear or say
– Gradually losing touch with friends or family
– Feeling like it’s easier not to disagree

During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, we’re naming these behaviours for what they are — because recognising them early can change what happens next.

Everyone deserves a relationship built on trust, respect, and autonomy — not control.

If this feels familiar, or you’re worried about someone you know, support is available:

• 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
• NSW Domestic Violence Line — 1800 656 463
In an emergency, call 000.

Domestic and family violence doesn’t always leave visible marks.

It often shows up as patterns — control, fear, isolation, and the gradual loss of independence. And because it’s not always physical, it can be harder to recognise, name, or talk about.

But it matters. And it’s not something anyone should have to minimise or explain away. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and in control of their own life.

If you saw yourself in any of these, or you’re concerned about someone else, support is available:

• 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
• NSW Domestic Violence Line — 1800 656 463
In an emergency, call 000.

Saving or sharing this post might help someone recognise what they’re experiencing.

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Behind every statistic is a person - someone navigating fear, control, confusion, or harm that often isn’t visible from the outside.

At The Equanimity Project, we believe this isn’t something anyone should have to endure - and it’s not something we should look away from. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and in control of their own life.

This month, we’re creating space to speak openly about what’s happening in our communities. Because awareness is about understanding, recognising the signs, and making it easier for people to seek support.

If this resonates with you, or someone you know, support is available:

• 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
• NSW Domestic Violence Line — 1800 656 463

In an emergency always call 000.

Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely some or all of the time? That's up from 1 in 4 before the pandemic. And 43% of young Australians aged 15–25 report feeling lonely, making them the loneliest age group in the country.

Sometimes the simplest remedy is the most powerful one: a warm cup of coffee and a real conversation.

Join us this Thursday at Frankie B's Cafe from 10:00 – 11:30am at Westfield Eastgardens for A Cup of Conversation - a relaxed, no-pressure morning where you can pull up a chair, meet someone new, and just have a chat.

The coffee is on us, the conversation is on you 🥰

Whether you're new to the area, going through a tough season, or just want to start your day feeling a little more connected while the world is a little bit crazy - you're welcome here. There are no sign ups or awkward ice-breakers - promise!