domestic-violence

Nicole Kidman sparkes crucial conversation about domestic violence

But when you're playing the part of a woman who dabs makeup on bruises inflicted by the man she loves, incongruity is also apt.

Kidman has told reporters that immersing herself in the character of a woman married to an abusive, violent, controlling man was a gruelling one.

While filming, she would return to her hotel room at night hunting for painkillers, covered in bruises.

Domestic violence: Shelter releases step-by-step guide for women ready to flee abusive relationships

It is frightening advice, but can be the difference between life and death during violent arguments.

A new booklet full of hard won wisdom on how to safely leave abusive relationships is being released in hardcopy and online by Darwin women's shelter, Dawn House.

For a former client of the refuge, Claire (not her real name) the step-by-step plans are exactly what she needed when fleeing her violent former partner.

"I literally ran out of the relationship I was in ... I drove my car out through fences. I left a lot, I lost a lot," Claire said.