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).