Domestic violence support services in Australia
Domestic violence refers to violent, abusive, intimidating, coercive or controlling behaviour between two people who are, or were in a relationship. Family violence describes the same behaviour within family relationships, including between parents or carers and children, siblings, intimate partners, or other close relatives. It can include emotional or sexual assault , or social, financial, spiritual and physical abuse .
If you’ve ever been affected by domestic violence, it’s important to know that it’s not your fault and it’s never acceptable. You have the right to feel safe, respected and supported in your relationships.
To learn more about the signs of an abusive relationship, and what you can do if you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, read our guide to domestic violence and where you can find support .
If you’ve been affected by domestic or family violence, there are a number of organisations that can offer help and support, regardless of where you live in Australia.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.
Accessing domestic violence support with translating and interpreting services
Translating and Interpreting Service
For callers with limited spoken English. Call 13 14 50 and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
National Relay Service
For callers who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment.
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TTY/Voice Calls: call 133 677 and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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Speak and Listen: call 1300 555 727 and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Internet relay users
Visit the National Relay Service website and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
National domestic violence support services
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service. They offer free and confidential support from trained counsellors via telephone, text, online chat or video calls.
For 24/7 support, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT online chat .
State/territory-based domestic violence support services
Domestic Violence Line
Trained female counsellors can help you to contact police, get medical care, obtain an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), develop a safety plan or find emergency accommodation.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 1800 656 463, or visit the Domestic Violence Line website for more information.
West Connect Domestic Violence Services
Offers support, services and accommodation options in the Western Sydney area to women and children experiencing or escaping family and domestic violence. They also provide specialised support for refugees, Aboriginal women, single women, older women, and lesbian and transgender women.
Call 02 4732 2318 Monday–Friday, 10 am–4pm, or visit the West Connect Domestic Violence Services website for more information.
DV Connect
Provides free telephone crisis counselling, interpreter services for those who speak English as a second language, safety planning, and referrals to crisis accommodation.
Call their 24/7 crisis line on 1800 811 811, or visit the DV Connect website for more information
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Provides telephone-based support, court support services, trauma counselling, and many more services to women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Call their 24/7 crisis line on 1800 015 188, or visit the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre website for more information.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
Offers a range of services, including crisis intervention, legal support and advocacy, and support groups.
Call their 24/7 crisis line on 02 6280 0900, or visit the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) website for more information.
Dawn House
Provides crisis accommodation and counselling services. Shelter staff can provide advocacy services, referrals to other services, support with legal matters, budgeting advice, and more.
Call their domestic violence hotline on 08 8945 1388 Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm. Outside of these hours, call 000 if you need support. You can also visit the Dawn House website for more information.
Women’s Safety Services
Provides a range of services, including a crisis phone line and services that cater to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and migrant women and children escaping violent situations.
Call the 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098, or visit the Women’s Safety Services website for more information.
Family Violence Response Referral Line
Part of Safe at Home, the Tasmanian government’s response to family violence, the referral line provides access to emergency services, court and legal services, counselling services, the offender program, and more.
Call their 24/7 crisis line on 1800 633 937, or visit the Safe at Home website for more information.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline
Provides support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence. This includes phone counselling, referrals to local support services, and support in escaping situations of family and domestic violence.
Call their 24/7 crisis line on 1800 007 339, or visit the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline website for more information.
Commonly asked questions about domestic violence support services
1800RESPECT , Lifeline , and Kids Helpline have free info, resources and online chat services available through their websites, while Services Australia has a range of information and resources that can help if you’re experiencing domestic or family violence.
If you’re under 18 years old, you can access Kids Helpline and 1800RESPECT any time of the day or week. Use their online chat or phone services to find further support.
Kids Helpline , 1800RESPECT , Lifeline and MensLine Australia are national support services available 24/7 if you’re experiencing domestic violence, while some of the state-based services we’ve listed in this article also have 24/7 support available.
In addition to 1800RESPECT , MensLine Australia has a 24/7 phone and online counselling service for men who are affected by domestic violence.
In addition to the services already mentioned, Say It Out Loud is an LGBTQIA+ dedicated service to relationship health, including support for domestic and family violence survivors. Their site provides resources and services available in each state that are safe for the LGBTQIA+ community. Get more information about domestic violence for LGBTQIA+ people from the creators of Say it Out Loud, ACON.
What can I do now?
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Call 000 if you’re in immediate danger.
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Contact 1800RESPECT to find out more information and get support.
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Trust your instincts. If you feel you’re in an abusive relationship , seek help.
