This guide provides an overview of some of the resources available for women suffering from domestic violence in Australia, helping them access the support they need for immediate safety, legal protection, counseling, and long-term recovery.
1. Immediate Safety and Emergency Support
- Emergency Services Dial 000 for immediate assistance if you or someone else is in danger.
- Crisis Support Services:
- 1800RESPECT : 24/7 national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Phone: 1800 737 732.
- Lifeline : 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention service. Phone: 13 11 14.
- Safe Housing and Shelters:
- Women’s Refuge Services: Contact local women’s shelters for emergency accommodation.
- DVConnect (Queensland): 24/7 crisis support, including emergency accommodation. Phone: 1800 811 811.
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service (ACT): 24/7 crisis support, including emergency accommodation. Phone: 1800 811 811.
- Safe Steps (Victoria): 24/7 family violence response centre. Phone: 1800 015 188.
2. Legal Protections and Support for Domestic Violence in Australia
- Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO): A legal order designed to protect individuals from further violence. Contact the local police or a lawyer for assistance for domestic violence in Australia.
- Legal Aid:
- Legal Aid Commissions: Each state and territory has a Legal Aid commission offering free legal advice and representation for eligible individuals of domestic violence in Australia.
- Women’s Legal Services: Specialised legal services providing advice and representation in domestic violence matters.
- Women’s Legal Service NSW: Phone: 1800 801 501.
- Women’s Legal Service Victoria: Phone: 1800 133 302.
- Community Legal Centres (CLCs): Free legal services available to those facing domestic violence in Australia.
3.Counseling and Emotional Support
- Counseling Services:
- 1800RESPECT: Offers counselling for domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Relationships Australia: Provides counseling and support services for individuals and families.
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support for those affected by domestic violence. Phone: 1300 22 4636.
- Support Groups:
- Domestic Violence Support Groups: Local community organisations and women’s centers often run support groups.
- Women’s Health Centres: Offer counseling and group support specifically for women.
4. Financial Assistance and Practical Support
- Centrelink Crisis Payments:Available to those experiencing domestic violence. Visit your local Centrelink office or call 132 850 for more information.
- Financial Counselling:
- National Debt Helpline: Provides free financial counselling. Phone: 1800 007 007.
- Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand: Offers financial advice and microfinance options for women.
- Employment Support:
- Workplace Rights: Women affected by domestic violence have certain rights in the workplace, including access to paid or unpaid leave.
- JobActive: Provides employment services for those needing to re-enter the workforce.
5. Support for Children
- Child Protection Services: Contact your state or territory’s child protection agency if children are at risk.
- Children’s Counselling:
- Kids Helpline: Free, confidential counselling service for young people aged 5-25. Phone: 1800 55 1800.
- Bravehearts: Specialises in counselling and support for children affected by violence. Phone: 1800 272 831.
- Parenting Support:
- Relationships Australia: Offers parenting advice and support services.
- Family Relationship Advice Line: Information and advice on parenting arrangements and child safety. Phone: 1800 050 321.
6. Multicultural and Indigenous Support
- Culturally Specific Services:
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence:Provides services to women from multicultural backgrounds. Phone: 1800 755 988.
- Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS) (QLD): Specialised support for immigrant and refugee women. Phone: (07) 3846 3490.
- Indigenous Support Services:
- Family Violence Prevention Legal Services: Specialised legal and support services for Indigenous women.
- Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline (NSW):Phone: 1800 019 123.
7. Long-Term Support and Recovery
- Housing Assistance:
- Public Housing:Contact your state or territory’s housing department for assistance.
- Transitional Housing:Many women’s services offer transitional housing to support long-term recovery.
- Education and Training:
- TAFE and Adult Learning Centres:Offer courses and training programs to help women rebuild their lives.
- Scholarships and Grants:Some organisations offer financial assistance for women affected by domestic violence to pursue education or training.
8. Important Contacts and Resources
- 1800RESPECT: 1800RESPECT Website
- Safe Steps: Safe Steps Website
- Lifeline: Lifeline Website
- Women’s Legal Services Australia: Women’s Legal Services Website
