Domestic and family violence support and resources
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic and family violence, there are multiple support options available.
Employee Assistance Provider
Employees affected by domestic and family violence are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Provider (EAP). An EAP can provide counselling, information and referral to other services. How to contact an EAP For general matters: 1300 360 364 For domestic and family violence matters: 1300 574 516 In a crisis situation, an EAP can assist to coordinate safe accommodation or other emergent support for the person. In an emergency, always call ‘000’.
List of supports available to all staff
The Queensland Government has released a support package to assist employees affected by DFV that provides public service employees with access to:
- a minimum of 10 days paid special leave
- flexible working arrangements
- reasonable workplace adjustments
- counselling support services available, the employee assistance program (EAP)
- This special leave is available to employees affected by DFV, persons requiring leave to support a person directly affected by DFV (e.g. an employee’s sibling is affected by DFV) and potential perpetrators or perpetrators of DFV to encourage behaviour change (e.g. to attend counselling sessions).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information
Other cultural considerations
- To provide culturally capable services, staff should use culturally appropriate processes and communication strategies when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
- Provision of services to women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds should be in accordance with the Multicultural Queensland Charter as detailed in the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016.
- Engage an appropriately qualified interpreter, if required, to effectively communicate with people from non-English speaking backgrounds – do not use partners, other family members or a child as interpreters.
To access culturally relevant support for patients, staff or the community, visit the Health Equity QHEPS site.
The Australian Government has developed a Family Safety Pack for men and women living in Australia. It includes information on Australia’s laws regarding domestic and family violence, sexual assault and forced marriage, and a woman’s right to be safe. The family safety pack is translated into 46 different languages.
Digital applications
Daisy
Daisy is a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that connects you to services in your local area. You can create a list of services and save them. These could be legal, housing, financial and children’s services. You can also search the internet with Daisy and understand what to expect when contacting a service.
Sunny
Sunny is a free app developed by women with disability and 1800RESPECT. Sunny supports all women with disability impacted by sexual assault and family and domestic violence.
Sunny helps you to:
- understand what violence and abuse are
- learn about different types of violence
- understand what has happened
- know your rights
- find people who can help.
Domestic and family violence support services
A full list of domestic and family violence services is available on the Queensland Government website. This includes regional domestic and family violence services, court services, legal services and accommodation support services.
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
DVConnect – WomanslineA statewide service offering free 24/7 telephone counselling to anyone affected by domestic and family violence. It also offers assistance in developing a safety plan for victims and emergency transport and accommodation if necessary. | Phone: |
DVConnect – MenslineA statewide service offering free telephone counselling to anyone affected by domestic and family violence. It also offers assistance in developing a safety plan for victims and emergency transport and accommodation if necessary. | Phone: |
DVConnect – All Health ProfessionalsA statewide service offering free telephone counselling to anyone affected by domestic and family violence. It also offers assistance in developing a safety plan for victims and emergency transport and accommodation if necessary. | Phone: |
1800 RESPECTProvides confidential information, counselling and support. Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. | Phone: |
Women's InfolinkProvides resources, information and links to services and organisations across the state including confidential support and referral options via a free-call telephone service or online, on issues affecting women's wellbeing including health, employment, legal services and domestic and family violence | Phone: |
Kids HelplineProvides private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. | Phone: |
Family and Child Connect (FaCC)A community based intake and referral centre that helps at-risk and vulnerable families connect with the services they need to safely care for their children at home. Specialist domestic and family violence practitioner's work within each FaCC providing advice and assistance on domestic and family violence matters. Practitioners specialising in child protection are also based at each FaCC to assist with identifying and responding to more serious concerns that may require statutory intervention. | Phone: |
The Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) HotlineOperates the state-wide telephone information, support and referral service for anyone experiencing abuse or witnessing the abuse of an older person. | Phone: |
The National Disability Abuse and Neglect HotlineProvides national access for the reporting of abuse and neglect of people with a disability; as well as a free referral service to relevant complaint handling bodies and state services. | Phone: |
State-wide Sexual Assault HelplineProvide counselling and support to anyone who has been abused or assaulted as well as anyone who is concerned about someone else. The statewide sexual assault helpline provides advice and referral to other agencies that are working with survivors of sexual assault and abuse (this service is provided by DV connect). | Phone: |
Sexual assault service for men 'Living Well'An organisation that provides a range of resources and support services including telephone and face to face counselling, community awareness and education, as well as training and consultation, to men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or adulthood sexual assault. 'Living Well' also provides assistance to supports of these men; their partners, friends, family and service providers. | Phone: |
Immigrant Women's Support Service (IWSS)Offers free confidential support to immigrant and refugee women from non-English speaking backgrounds who have experiences domestic and/or sexual violence. | Phone: |
WWILDProvides a range of services for men and women with intellectual and/or learning difficulties (over the age of 14) including individual support and counselling. | Phone: |
QlifeA counselling and referral service for LGBTI people of all ages. QLife provides early intervention, peer supported telephone and web-based services. | Phone: |
Queensland Police ServiceQPS should be contacted is there are immediate safety concerns for a victim. When a crime has been or is likely to be committed a victim should be supported to report the offence to the Queensland Police Service. When protection is required, police and/or courts may need to be involved. | Phone: |
Legal AidProvides victims with legal information which may include describing legal procedures and provision of advice about making a report to police, the role of legal representatives and court processes. | Phone: |
Women's Legal ServiceA specialist community legal centre operated by women that provides free legal assistance and social work on a broad range of issues affecting women such as family law, child protection and domestic and family violence. | Phone: |
The Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)Provides a culturally appropriate free legal service, welfare and support, advocacy and community education relating to domestic and family violence, child protection, sexual assault, victim support and more. | Phone: |
Court NetworkProvides personal support, non-legal information and referral to those in contact with the justice system. The Court Network telephone information and referral service can assist people preparing to attend court. This assistance might involve provision of information about court procedures, referral to legal services, and assist in organising interpreters or making arrangements to ensure someone's safety when they are at court. | Phone: |
Victim Assist Queensland (VAQ)An agency within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General that administers the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 (VOCAA). The Scheme commenced on 1 December 2009 and replaced the Criminal Offence Victims Act 1995 (COVA) | Phone: |