Domestic Violence Support

You Are Not Alone - Help Is Available

Domestic and family violence affects 1 in 4 Australian women and 1 in 13 men. If you’re experiencing violence, it’s not your fault and help is available.

🔍 Is This Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is not just physical. It includes:

Types of Abuse

• Physical: Hitting, pushing, choking, throwing objects
• Emotional: Put-downs, threats, isolation, jealousy
• Financial: Controlling money, preventing work, stealing
• Sexual: Forced sex, unwanted touching, reproductive control
• Technological: Monitoring devices, social media stalking
• Spiritual/Cultural: Using religion/culture to control

Warning Signs

• Walking on eggshells around partner
• Partner controls what you do, wear, or say
• Isolated from family and friends
• Threats to you, children, or pets
• Afraid to disagree or say no
• Partner blames you for their violence

🚪 Planning to Leave Safely

Create a Safety Plan

Before You Leave:

1. Tell someone you trust - Friend, family, or counsellor
2. Document abuse - Photos, medical records, diary
3. Save money secretly - Even small amounts help
4. Pack emergency bag - Hide at friend’s house
5. Plan where to go - Shelter, family, friend
6. Know your rights - You can leave, take children

Emergency Bag Checklist

Documents:

• Passports/Birth certificates
• Driver’s license
• Medicare cards
• Bank cards/account details
• Centrelink details
• Custody papers
• Protection orders
• Rental agreement
• Important phone numbers

Essentials:

• Medications
• Money/jewelry
• Phone & charger
• Clothes for few days
• Children’s favorites
• Keys (house/car)
• Photos (sentimental)

Digital Safety

Protect Yourself Online:

• Use safe computer (library/friend’s)
• Clear browser history
• Change all passwords
• New email account
• Turn off location services
• Check for tracking apps
• Block on social media

🏠 Emergency Accommodation

Crisis Accommodation Services

National:

• Safe at Home: Stay in your home, abuser removed
• Refuge/Shelter: Secret location, free, support services
• Transitional Housing: Medium-term supported accommodation

State Services:

NSW - Link2home: 1800 152 152

• 24/7 accommodation line
• Temporary and crisis accommodation
• Can accommodate pets

VIC - Safe Steps: 1800 015 188

• 24/7 response service
• Risk assessment and safety planning
• Refuge and motel accommodation

QLD - DVConnect: 1800 811 811

• Womensline 24/7
• Mensline: 1800 600 636 (9am-midnight)
• Emergency transport available

WA - Women’s Refuge: 1800 007 339

• Crisis accommodation
• Multicultural Women’s Advocacy: (08) 9328 1200

SA - Homelessness Gateway: 1800 003 308

• Priority housing for DV
• Catherine House: (08) 8232 2282

⚖️ Legal Protection

Protection Orders

What Is a DVO/AVO?

• Court order to protect you from violence
• Stops contact, coming near you/home/work
• Police enforce breaches
• Does NOT appear on criminal record

How to Get Protection Order:

1. Police - Can apply on your behalf
2. Court - Apply yourself at local court
3. Legal Aid - Free help with application
4. Women’s Legal Service - Specialized support

Emergency Orders:

• Police can issue on-the-spot
• Protection starts immediately
• Court hearing within days

Your Legal Rights

You Have the Right To:

• Leave the relationship
• Take your children
• Take your belongings
• Get protection order
• Access joint bank accounts
• Stay in your home (with order)
• Report to police anytime

Family Law and Children

Custody and Violence:

• Document all violence
• Violence affects custody decisions
• Supervised visits may be ordered
• Children’s safety is priority

Taking Children:

• You can take children when leaving violence
• Notify Family Court within days
• Seek urgent legal advice
• Apply for recovery order if children taken

💰 Financial Support

Centrelink Crisis Payment

Escaping Violence Payment:

• One-off payment of $1,605.20 (single)
• Must apply within 7 days of leaving
• Can get even if working
• No waiting period

How to Apply:

• Call Centrelink: 132 850
• Say “domestic violence”
• Ask for social worker
• Can apply over phone

Financial Assistance

Emergency Money:

• Salvation Army: 13 72 58
• St Vincent de Paul: 13 18 12
• Red Cross: 1800 733 276

Starting Again Program:

• Up to $1,500 for essentials
• Furniture, clothes, bonds
• Through DV services

Escaping Violence Payment:

• Up to $5,000 (Commonwealth Bank)
• No interest loan
• Through Good Shepherd

Bank Safety

Protect Your Money:

1. Open new account (different bank)
2. Change PIN numbers
3. Remove partner from joint accounts
4. Redirect statements
5. Check credit report
6. Freeze joint credit cards

🏥 Health Support

Medical Help

See a Doctor For:

• Document injuries
• Treat physical/mental health
• Get Mental Health Care Plan
• Referrals to specialists
• Medical certificates

Free Services:

• Sexual assault services
• Women’s health centers
• Hospital social workers
• Bulk billing doctors
• Emergency departments

Counselling Support

Free Counselling:

• 1800RESPECT: Phone and online
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
• Victim Services: Through police referral
• Women’s Health Centers: Local services

Through Medicare:

• Mental Health Care Plan = 10 free sessions
• See GP for referral
• Choose DV-informed psychologist

👨‍👩‍👧 Children and Violence

Protecting Children

Effects on Children:

• Seeing/hearing violence is harmful
• May have behavioral changes
• Need professional support
• Not child’s fault

Support Services:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Bravehearts: 1800 272 831
• Child psychologists through GP
• School counsellors

Parenting After Violence

Recovery Support:

• Parenting programs for survivors
• Play therapy for children
• Family counselling
• Support groups

🌏 Culturally Specific Support

Multicultural Services

InTouch Multicultural Centre: 1800 755 988

• Support in multiple languages
• Understanding of cultural issues
• Immigration advice
• Culturally safe services

Specific Communities:

• Muslim Women: Islamic Women’s Welfare - (02) 9750 6916
• Aboriginal: Family Violence Prevention Services - 1800 105 303
• LGBTIQ+: ACON - (02) 9206 2000
• Disability: 1800RESPECT has Auslan and easy English

Immigration Concerns

Your Rights on Temporary Visa:

• Can still access DV services
• May be eligible for permanent visa
• Children born here are citizens
• Can’t be deported for leaving violence

Get Help:

• Immigration lawyers (free consultations)
• Women’s Legal Service
• Multicultural centers
• Settlement services

📱 Technology Safety

Phone Safety

Make Your Phone Safe:

• Factory reset if concerned
• New phone number
• Turn off location
• Check for tracking apps
• Different passwords
• Two-factor authentication

Tracking and Stalking

Signs You’re Being Tracked:

• Partner knows your movements
• Battery drains quickly
• Phone acts strangely
• Unexpected pop-ups
• High data usage

Get Help:

• WESNET Safety Net: Tech safety planning
• eSafety Commissioner: 1800 880 176
• Police cyber crime unit

🤝 Supporting Someone

How to Help a Friend

Do:

• Believe them
• Listen without judgment
• Respect their choices
• Help with safety planning
• Keep supporting them

Don’t:

• Tell them what to do
• Contact the abuser
• Judge if they return
• Share their information
• Give up on them

What to Say

Helpful phrases:

• “It’s not your fault”
• “You don’t deserve this”
• “I’m here for you”
• “How can I help?”
• “You’re not alone”

📞 24/7 Support Services

National Services

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 - Counselling
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis support
• Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• Mensline: 1300 789 978

State Crisis Lines

• NSW: 1800 656 463
• VIC: 1800 015 188
• QLD: 1800 811 811
• WA: 1800 007 339
• SA: 1800 800 098
• TAS: 1800 608 122
• NT: 1800 019 116
• ACT: (02) 6280 0900

📚 Resources

Apps for Safety

• Daisy: Safety planning
• Bright Sky: Information and support
• Aurora: Evidence collection

Websites

• 1800RESPECT.org.au: Information and support
• White Ribbon: Prevention resources
• Our Watch: Violence prevention