State and Nationwide Domestic Violence Support Services

Written By Ally xo

Below is a comprehensive list of domestic violence (DV) resources for Australia—with key helplines, support services (including legal, counselling, crisis accommodation, and financial assistance options) that are available both nationally and within each state/territory. This checklist is designed to serve as a go-to reference point for victim‐survivors looking for immediate support, safety planning help, and longer term assistance. This page will continue to be updated and added to for both Statewide and Nationwide support.

Australia-Wide Resources

  1. 1800RESPECT (National DV & Sexual Violence Counselling)

    • Phone: 1800 737 732 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

    • Text: 0458 737 732

    • Services: Confidential counselling, information, and referrals for domestic, family, and sexual violence

    • Note: This resource is often the first point of contact if you are in crisis.

  2. Services Australia / Centrelink & Victim Payments

    • Assistance: Financial information and sometimes specific payment programs (e.g., immediate needs, escaping violence, economic loss or recognition payments) to help cover expenses such as relocation, security upgrades, and emergency medical costs.

    • Tip: Check your local service centre’s website or call to confirm eligibility, as programs (like NSW’s Immediate Needs Support Package up to $5,000) can vary by state.

  3. General Safety and Confidentiality Considerations

  • Always keep essential documents (IDs, financial records, legal paperwork) in a secure place.

  • Consider using a “quick exit” plan and private/incognito browsing to protect your online searches.

  • If needed, ask for help from a trusted friend or a DV advocate.

  • Remember: Your safety always comes first.

New South Wales (NSW)

  1. NSW Domestic Violence Line

    • Phone: 1800 656 463 (24/7; TTY 1800 67 14 42)

    • Services: Crisis counselling, safety planning assistance, and referrals to legal, housing, and support services.

  2. Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

    • Phone: 1800 938 227

    • Services: Legal advocacy when you are applying for protection or family violence orders.

  3. Service NSW & Legal Support

  • Websites and centers can help with changing administrative details (such as address suppression) if you need to secure your privacy after leaving a violent situation.

Victoria

  1. Safe Steps Victoria

    • Phone: 1800 015 188 (available 24/7; web chat available)

    • Services: Confidential crisis support, safety planning, and emergency accommodation referrals.
      Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au

  2. Additional Resources:

    • The Orange Door: Provides advice and referrals for family violence and also connects you with local services.

    • Victims of Crime Helpline: 1800 819 817 for support and information for victims.

  3. Legal Resources

  • Victoria offers specialist Family Violence Legal Services and Women’s Legal Service agencies—for help with protection orders and navigating court processes.

  • More detailed statewide support resources are available on Victorian Government websites.

Queensland

  1. DVConnect (Queensland)

    • Phone: 1800 811 811

    • Services: Crisis response, safety planning, and referrals for those affected by family violence.

  2. 1800RESPECT

    • As a national service, it’s also a key resource in Queensland.

  3. Queensland Police Domestic Violence Resources

    • Visit the Queensland Police website for educational brochures, court process videos (available in multiple languages), and safety tips.

  4. Financial Supports

  • Check Queensland Government websites for specialized assistance programs if you face financial hardship as a result of family violence.

 

South Australia

  1. Domestic Violence Crisis Line (SA)

    • Phone: 1800 800 098 (free, 24/7)

    • Services: Crisis counselling and immediate safety support.

  2. Central Domestic Violence Service (Adelaide)

    • Phone: (08) 8352 1889

    • Location: Adelaide

    • Services: Referral services, counselling, and safe accommodation assistance.

  3. Office for Women – DV Service Locator

    • Use the service locator to find the nearest DV support service (many options include using 1800RESPECT as well).

  4. Victims Services South Australia

  • Offers legal information, counselling, and advocacy for those affected by DV.

Western Australia

  1. Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline (WA)

    • Phone: 1800 007 339

    • Services: Support and referrals for women facing DV.

  2. Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline (WA)

    • Phone: 1800 000 599

    • Services: Information for men concerned about violence or trying to change abusive behaviour.

  3. Additional Resources:

  • WA Government websites offer a searchable directory of family and domestic violence services.

  • The national 1800RESPECT line is also available.

Tasmania

  1. Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (FVCSS)

    • Phone: 1800 608 122

    • Availability: 9 am–midnight weekdays; 4 pm–midnight on weekends and public holidays.

    • Services: Counselling, safety planning, and referrals for adults and children affected by DV.

 

  1. Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line

    • Phone: 1800 633 937

    • Services: Assistance with finding safe accommodation if you need to leave a violent situation.

  2. Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Line

  • Phone: 1800 697 877

  • Services: Offers counselling for those who have experienced sexual violence.

Northern Territory (NT)

  1. Domestic Violence Support Services (e.g., Dawn House)

    • Key Numbers from NT:

    • Darwin Aboriginal & Islander Women’s Shelter (DAIWS): 08 8945 2284 (available 24 hours)

    • Domestic Violence Legal Service: 08 8999 7977 (Mon–Fri)

  2. Lifeline NT

    • Phone: 131 114 (available 24 hours)

  3. Additional Support:

  • Interpreter Service: 08 8913 1450 (24 hours)

  • For a broader range of DV, family, and sexual violence-related supports, visit the NT Government Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence webpage.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  1. Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) in Canberra

    • Phone: 02 62 800 900 (24/7 crisis line)

    • Services: Immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to legal and other support services.

  2. Family Violence Support Services via ACT Policing

    • Find details on how to access legal, counselling, and protection order assistance on ACT Government websites.

  3. Legal Aid ACT DV Unit

  • Provides free legal assistance regarding protection orders and family violence matters.

Payment & Financial Assistance Options (Applicable Australia-Wide & by State)

  • Immediate Needs/Emergency Payments:
    – Designed to help cover urgent expenses (e.g., changing locks, removalists, security upgrades).
    – In some states (like NSW), packages of up to $5,000 are available. Check with your local DV service or Centrelink.

  • Economic Loss or Recognition Payments:
    – These reimburse expenses incurred (such as medical, counselling, or loss of income) after experiencing DV.
    – Eligibility and amounts vary state by state.

  • Additional Support Programs:
    – Several states offer specialized financial support for DV victims in relation to housing, legal fees, or other necessities. Always refer to your local government or victims service websites for up‑to‑date figures and application requirements.

Final Self-Care and Practical Tips

  • Safety Plan:
    Ensure you have a “quick exit” plan if you need to leave home, and consider securing your online privacy (change passwords, use private browsing). A Safety Plan Template is available on makeyourmagic.net, under FREE. Keep in a safe, secure place. If this means you cannot have it in your home or on your phone, consider discussing with a friend or local service to ensure your safety when leaving and after you have left.

  • Documentation:
    Keep important personal documents (IDs, legal records, financial documents) in a secure, accessible place.

  • Emotional Well‑being:
    In addition to contacting DV services, consider professional counselling or support groups to help with the trauma and stress associated with domestic violence. This support complements the other help offered and aligns with addressing your basic safety needs as outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy.

  • Advocacy:
    Reach out to community DV advocates or lawyers—many services are free—to ensure you know your rights and have support navigating legal processes.

Please Note:
Contact details (phone numbers, hours, and available services) are subject to change. It is always a good idea to verify the latest information on the official websites or by calling the numbers listed.

This checklist brings together the essential DV resources for Australia as well as for each individual state and territory. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone close to you, these resources are designed to provide safety, legal support, counselling, and financial assistance while you rebuild your life free from violence.

 

Ally xo
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