Domestic Violence
4. Speaking Out
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 20 Jul 2015
- You should seek assistance from the police by reporting any domestic violence incident as soon as possible after the event.
- Domestic Violence Liaison Officers are specialist police who can help you understand the police process and assist you with accessing support services. You should ask to speak with one when you attend the police station.
- If you have been a victim of physical abuse attend a doctor or hospital and ask them to record any injuries you have. If you are the victim of a less obvious type of abuse consider keeping a diary in a safe location where you can record the incidents of violence.
- Sometimes it may be necessary for you to remove yourself from the home for your own safety.
- There are organisations who can assist you at this time:
- the Domestic Violence Line provides information, telephone counselling and referrals for people who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence on 1800 656 463 . The line operates 24 hours 7 days;
- Family Relationships Online and Family Relationship Centres provide all families with information services that can assist them to manage relationship issues. You can visit their website at www.familyrelationships.gov.au or call them on 1800 050 321;
- 1800 RESPECT operates at a national level and provides free, confidential family violence and sexual assault counselling. It can also assist with referrals to local services. The line is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week on 1800 737 732; and
- the Kids Helpline provides telephone and online counselling for young people aged between 5 and 25 on 1800 551 800.
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