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Getting Help

Violence is never OK.

If someone has been violent towards you, or you know someone else experiencing violence, you have the right to ask for help.  

This page lists some of the different ways that you can get help.

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is an Australian nation-wide service that offers information, counselling and referrals to women who are experiencing or have been subjected to violence, abuse or sexual assault.

You can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or chat to someone online (external link) at any time.

To contact 1800RESPECT via SMS, you can text ‘HELLO’ or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.
QLife

Anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia. To contact QLife call 1800 184 527
13YARN

13YARN is the national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13YARN offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
‍To contact 13YARN call 13 92 76

Watch the video (external website) 'What to expect when you contact 1800RESPECT':

Tip: Click the subtitles button in the bottom right hand corner of the video to turn closed captions on and off.

Local support

Every state and territory in Australia has local organisations and groups that can support you if you are experiencing violence or need emergency accommodation.

The following family violence helplines can listen to you and put you in touch with the right service for your needs. You can call the numbers listed or go to the linked websites to find out more.


Australian Capital Territory

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (external link)
Call: (02) 6280 0900

Queensland

DV Connect (external link)
Call: 1800 811 811

New South Wales

Domestic Violence Line (external link)
Call: 1800 656 463

Northern Territory

Shelter Me (external link)

South Australia

Domestic Violence Crisis Line (external link)
Call: 1800 800 098

Tasmania

Family Violence Response Referral line (external link)
Call: 1800 633 937

Victoria

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (external link)
Call: 1800 015 188 or 03 9322 3555

Western Australia

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline (external link)
Call: 1800 007 339 or (08) 9223 1188

What happens when you call a service?

Calling or chatting to a support service can be hard. It is normal to feel nervous or worried about what will happen and what you will talk about.

Here is what you might expect if you contact one of the services we have provided on this page:

1. Safety first

The first question most phone or online chat services will ask is ‘Are you safe right now?’ It is important you answer this question because if you are in danger, they cannot give you the help you need. If you are afraid for your immediate safety, you should call 000.


2. Your situation

Once the person on the phone (or online chat) knows that you are safe enough to proceed, they will ask you to tell them about your situation and about any steps you have already taken. You can tell them as much or as little as you like.

3. What next?

Once they know what your situation is, the person on the phone (or online chat) will help you work out what you would like to do next. They will talk you through your choices such as, reporting to the police, talking to a counsellor, or finding an advocate. You can ask as many questions as you like.

Safety apps

Sunny

1800RESPECT and Women with Disabilities Australia have released an app called Sunny.

This app was made by and for women with disability who are experiencing or have been subjected to violence.

Watch the video about Sunny (external website) and its features:

Tip: Click the subtitles button in the bottom right hand corner of the video to turn closed captions on and off.

Sunny can help you to:

  • learn about different types of violence or abuse
  • understand what has happened to you
  • know what your rights are
  • find people who can support and help you
  • tell your story.
Learn more and download Sunny (external link).

Daisy

Daisy is another app made by 1800RESPECT for women experiencing violence. This app includes a list of phone numbers and websites for services that can provide support near you.

Learn more and download Daisy (external link).

Need a translator or interpreter?

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)

If you need someone to translate a phone call into a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.

 

National Relay Service (NRS)

If you can’t hear well or need help with making calls, you can call any number through the National Relay Service online (external link).

Important Resources

External website
Workforce Resources
WorkUp Queensland has developed a series of resources for women with disabilities experiencing domestic violence.
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Helpline numbers in Australia
Women with Disabilities Australia has pulled together helpline numbers in Australia. If you, or someone you are with, are in danger or it is an emergency, call 000 immediately.
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External website
1800RESPECT
A 24-hour confidential information, counselling and support service. Phone or chat online now.
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External website
Easy English Books: Safety from Violence
A range of Easy English resources about safety, violence and your rights.
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Checklist
Our Site Checklist: Are You Experiencing Violence?
Violence can be hard to recognise when you are the one experiencing it. This checklist can help you identify if you are experiencing violence.
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External website
Commonwealth Bank: Addressing Financial Abuse
A website providing a series of booklets to help people recognise financial abuse and get help.
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Apps
Sunny App
A free app for women with disability who have experienced violence and abuse.
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Guides
Domestic Violence Resource Centre: Gathering Support
Booklet to help women experiencing family violence get support.
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Guides
Engender Equality: Leaving an abusive relationship
Booklet to help women in abusive relationships who want to leave.
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Guides
Australian Human Rights Commission: Recognising and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
A fact sheet about sexual harassment for employees.
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Guides
Victoria Police: How to Report a Sexual Offence
An easy english guide to reporting a sexual assault.
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Where to next:

External website
Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Information about the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, including how to make a submission.
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External website
Australia Says No More
A website providing a powerful, visual way to express support for ending domestic violence and sexual assault.
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External website
Family Violence Law Help
A website where you can learn about domestic and family violence and the law in Australia.
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Apps
Daisy App
A free app that connects women around Australia to services that support women who are experiencing or have been subjected to violence.
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Google Play
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External website
National Relay Service
Phone support for people who are for people who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech impairment.
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External website
Black Dog Institute: Healthy Mind
An Easy Read website with information and resources to support your mental health and well-being.
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External website
Tell Someone
Information for people who have experienced violence, and support to speak out.
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External website
Family Relationships Online: Legal Advice
Information about where to get legal assistance for family law disputes.
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Translating and Interpreting Service
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a phone interpreting service for people who do not speak English.
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External website
WWILD
WWILD supports people with intellectual or learning disabilities who have experienced sexual abuse or have been victims of crime. WWILD also works with the families, carers and services who support them.
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External website
Compass: Guiding Action on Elder Abuse
A national website to help you understand, navigating and get help with elder abuse in Australia.
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