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There are different kinds of help to keep you safe. You might need somewhere safe to stay or money to change the locks on your house. You might want to talk to a kind and caring person. Whatever you need, support is available when you've experienced violence or abuse. Some services focus on helping people with disabilities. Here, we share resources to help you build a safer, healthier life.
There are a lot of different types of support for people who experience violence and abuse. These include:
The Safe Steps website (external link) and the 1800RESPECT website (external link) will listen to your story and connect you to services that can help. Start with one of these services if you don't know where to begin.
You can also find contact details for services on the Neve page Helpline directory (internal link). We have listed national contacts as well as contacts for each state and territory.
If you want support standing up for yourself, you can use the Disability Australia Hub website advocacy finder (external link). You can also use the advocacy finder service on the Disability Advocacy Network Australia website (external link).
It's normal to feel overwhelmed after violence or abuse. You deserve to be safe. You don't have to do it all yourself. Support is available to help you.
Translating and interpreting service (TIS National)
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) can help you translate a phone call into a language other than English. Call TIS on 131 450.
National Relay Service (NRS)
If you can't hear well or need help making calls, call any number through the National Relay Service website (external link).
Around Australia, people who experience violence and abuse can get financial help. It could be money to help you move out or pay for things you need to be safe.
Safer in the Home is a national program that helps women experiencing domestic violence. Learn how to apply on the Salvation Army website (external link).
Some states offer support packages for families experiencing violence. To find a service, put your state or territory and "domestic violence financial help" into a browser search engine, like Google. Or, call a helpline. They will be able to tell you about the options where you live.
Many people say they don't have enough money to leave a violent situation. With time and a good plan, you can get more money. Learn more on the Neve page Help managing your money (internal link).
There are many national helplines for domestic and family violence. Many operate all day and night, every day of the week. You can call or text for:
For a list of helplines in Australia, visit the Neve page Helpline directory (internal link).
Online resources and apps
Many websites share information about domestic and family violence. You can learn about warning signs, safety planning, and legal rights. On this website, we share information about different types of violence and abuse. Learn more in the Neve section Violence and abuse (internal link).
A safety app is a tool that you can add to a smart phone or tablet to help keep you safe. We explain how safety apps work on the Neve page Safety apps (internal link).
Girls Gotta Know is a website for young women. It provides legal information on topics like relationships, housing and renting, and employment. The website works on a smartphone, computer, or tablet. It has information for every state and territory in Australia. Visit the Girls Gotta Know website (external link).
Local domestic violence shelters and support services
Many places have shelters and support services for people experiencing domestic and family violence. They can give you:
You can get help that matches your needs. To find a domestic violence shelter or support service in your area, enter "domestic violence help" and your suburb into a browser search engine, like Google.
Legal aid and advocacy organisations
Legal help can be vital to escaping domestic and family violence. It can help you use the family court system. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Family court (internal link).
Legal help can assist with protection orders. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Protection orders (internal link).
Legal help can assist you in the child protection system. You can learn more about this on the Neve page Child protection (internal link).
Learn more about legal aid on the National Legal Aid website (external link).
Advocacy groups raise awareness. They challenge unfair ideas and actions like:
Advocacy groups ask governments to change the law to protect people who have experienced violence and abuse. Women with Disabilities Australia is a advocacy organisation. You can read about us on the Women With Disabilities website About page (external link).
Counselling and therapy
It can be hard to recover from violence and abuse on your own. Counselling and therapy can help you heal. Many places offer free or low-cost counselling services. You can learn about counselling and therapy options on the Neve page Counselling and therapy (internal link).
Community organisations
Community organisations support people who have experienced violence and abuse. They can give you:
No one should face domestic and family violence alone. Please, get help if you need it.
This section aims to help you see more clearly the difficult parts of life, including any violence and abuse you may experience. It shares tools to increase your safety inside a relationship that is violent or abusive. It talks about making plans for a safer future. It considers how disability, sexuality and gender diversity can impact experiences of violence.
Find out moreLegal protection from domestic and family violence and abuse is available through the courts in each Australian state and territory. Depending on where you live, there are different names for these court orders, but all protection orders are enforceable nationwide. Here, you can learn more about protection orders. You can learn how to apply for one and what it does and doesn't do.
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