Family & Domestic Violence

Your safety matters

Your safety is paramount. If you’re experiencing family or domestic violence, we are here to support you with compassion, confidentiality, and practical assistance.
 
If you or a family member are in immediate danger, call 000.
 
Need to exit this page quickly? Use the Quick Exit button—it will redirect you to Google.
 
If you’re impacted by family and domestic violence and need our support:
 
  • Complete our Customer Help Form below. This form is directed internally to an appropriately trained staff member. Any information on the form will be strictly confidential.

Understanding family and domestic violence

Violence is not only physical. It includes emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or economic abuse. Australian law defines family violence as any violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family or causes the family member to be fearful.
 
Family/ domestic members may include: 
  • a spouse, de facto partner, child, stepchild, parent, in-law, grandparent, grandchild or sibling 
  • a person related to a person according to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander kinship rules

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is a form of family violence where a person’s finances are exploited, sabotaged or restricted and can impact on that person’s financial independence. It often co-exists with other forms of abuse.
 
Financial abuse includes:
 
  • Not having access or control over your own money 
  • Having to justify what you are spending your money on 
  • Threats to stop access to your money or putting conditions on access 
  • Being pressured into taking out loans or credit cards   
  • Not having control over how you want to work 
  • Being pressured into a position where you need to pay or cover costs for someone else.    

Coercive control

Coercive control is a common underpinning dynamic of family and domestic violence. It involves perpetrators using patterns of abusive behaviours to instil fear and restrict freedom. This may include physical or non-physical abusive behaviours. Coercive control has traumatic and pervasive immediate and long-term impacts on victim-survivors, their families, and communities.
 
Coercive control involves: 
 
  • Isolating and removing social supports so a victim survivor feels they cannot leave 
  • Ensuring a victim survivor’s focus is on the perpetrator by limiting any outside influence 
  • Humiliating and demeaning the victim survivor with taunts or embarrassing acts
  • Exhausting a victim survivor with physical demands or interrogation
  • Threatening a victim survivor to create anxiety and force them to comply
  • Occasional indulgences so a victim survivor is rewarded for complying with the perpetrator’s actions while the victim survivor cannot predict the perpetrator
  • Demonstrating complete control over a victim survivor
  • Enforcing trivial rules to maintain compliance

Recognising the signs of family and domestic violence

Identifying whether our customers, lives insured, or staff are impacted by family and domestic violence can be challenging.  
 
We recognise that family and domestic violence can impact individuals from all walks of life, and our teams may be a point of contact during challenging times, so its paramount our staff are equipped to recognise, identify, and respond appropriately to customers or staff who may be impacted by family and domestic violence.
 
The Women's Information and Referral Exchange Incorporated (WIRE), who are specialists in family and domestic violence, provide training to our staff. This trauma-informed training focuses on:
 
  • Understanding the dynamics and complexities of family and domestic violence.
  • Developing skills to recognise potential indicators and risk factors.
  • Learning appropriate and safe methods for responding to disclosures and situations.
  • Knowing how to provide information about support services and referral pathways.
AIA has additionally sought consultation from WIRE in developing an internal Family and Domestic Violence Guide. This comprehensive resource provides our staff with guidance on how to:
 
  • Support customers and employees experiencing family and domestic violence with empathy and understanding.
  • Follow clear protocols for appropriate escalation and referral to relevant support services.
  • Prioritise the safety and well-being of both our customers and our employees.
Our investment in external, specialised training and consultation underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.
 
We understand the difficulty in disclosing family or domestic violence. You may feel fear, shame, or worry you won’t be believed. We want you to know it’s not your fault and that you are not alone.
 
We understand that not everyone may recognise or agree that they are experiencing family and domestic violence. You may not want to talk about your situation and may not want or need our support. We will respect your choices. You do not have to tell us details about family and domestic violence for us to help; we are committed to helping all customers wherever we identify vulnerability. 
 
We will focus on what we can do to help you based on what you share with us and respect your right to decline or limit what you tell us. We understand that trauma may affect a customer’s demeanour, and we will ask if we can offer you support if we see signs of possible abuse, such as:
 
  • Fearful or distressed demeanour
  • Someone else directing what you say or speaking on your behalf 
  • Lack of knowledge about cover over your life
  • Concerns about privacy or reluctance to involve a joint policyholder when making changes
  • Mention of family violence or legal protections (e.g., restraining orders)
  • Being consistently late with premium payments.

How can we help

We provide safe, respectful, and flexible support, including:
 
  • Making it easy to communicate with us by discussing safe ways that you can make contact, such as preferred communication methods and times 
  • There is no adverse impact on your claim due to you telling us that you are impacted by family violence
  • Your claim will be prioritised, and we will minimise the documentation needed for the assessment
  • Where possible we may be able to provide early access to a claim payment 
  • Where possible, and with your authority, we can offer to obtain information on your behalf 
  • We will tell you who the claim will be paid to and check your payment details are up to date before a payment is made  
  • Your information will be kept confidential to protect your safety. 
  • Where possible you will have one nominated staff member to communicate directly with. There will be one dedicated contact person if you have a claim or complaint
  • Our staff will discuss your circumstances with you only if necessary   
  • Where you have a joint policy with the perpetrator, you will not be required to contact them, and we will assist you with any information required from a policy owner who is a perpetrator  
  • Where eligible, we will provide financial hardship support which can include premium deferments and changes to cover    
  • We will assess financial hardship without requiring the consent of the perpetrator 
  • If you request a replacement policy solely as a result of family violence, we will not require an underwriting assessment where possible
  • You can engage a support person, such as a friend, family member, social worker, financial counsellor or other representative; with your authority we can communicate directly with them   
  • Where appropriate and with your consent, our staff can identify and engage an appropriate external provider to support you  
  • If you find yourself using family violence, we can provide details of behavioural change programmes to help you manage any trauma or challenges and choose better behaviour
  • We do not tolerate misuse of AIA’s products, services and systems. Action may be taken against perpetrators 
  • Personal information will only be provided to any third parties if required for the purposes of your claim, complaint or required by a law enforcement agency. We will advise you of any disclosure and discuss how we will share the information.

Specialist training and support

The Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) provide training to our staff in identifying and responding to family violence. We’ve developed a Family and Domestic Violence Guide for internal use, focusing on:
 
  • Safe and empathetic customer engagement
  • Appropriate referrals and escalation
  • Prioritising safety
We also have a dedicated internal specialist team with advanced training to consult with staff and directly assist customers impacted by family and domestic violence when appropriate.

Product design and safety

We integrate family violence considerations into the design of our products and services, guided by the following Financial Safety by Design principles:
 
  • Safer, misuse-resistant product features
  • Clear information and customer choice
  • Defined misuse consequences   
Key measures for new products include:
 
  • Notifying all adults whose lives are insured under a direct or retail policy of cancellations (where safe and appropriate);
  • Seeking express consent from all persons whose lives will be insured under a retail or direct policy,
  • Considering the forfeiture rule to prevent perpetrators from benefiting from claims, to prevent perpetrators financially benefiting from a death for which they are criminally responsible.  
We consult with our team of specialist staff, who are drawn from across the business including claims, complaints, underwriting, legal, contact centre and product. 
 
At AIA, we do not want perpetrators to benefit from their abuse. AIA continues to uplift the terms of its policies to strengthen this approach with unlawful act exclusions and other terms where a beneficiary has intentionally or recklessly caused or contributed to disablement or death.

If you need to make a complaint

If you feel we haven’t met our family violence commitments, please let us know. Complaints will be prioritised by a Customer Resolutions Specialist.
 

Supporting our staff

We are committed to supporting our employees who experience family violence or are impacted by these issues through:
 
  • Protecting employee details in situations involving contact with a perpetrator, and having personal safety measures 
  • Domestic violence support leave and flexible work options 
  • An Employee Assistance Program and outreach support
  • Reassignment of sensitive cases when needed
  • Internal policies for staff experiencing family violence
  • Internal policies ensuring staff who are perpetrators or alleged perpetrators of violence do not work with customers impacted by family and domestic violence.

Policy review

This policy will be reviewed at least every three years, with the next scheduled for 2028, or sooner if needed. Reviews will ensure:
 
  • Information and resources are current 
  • Ongoing compliance with industry codes such as the Life Insurance Code of Practice.
  • The policy remains effective and responsive to customer needs. 

External help

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
 
You can contact your claims assessor, complaints handler or retention specialist directly. For other queries, please visit aia.com.au/en/help-and-support/contact-us
 
You can also seek advice and support from:

  • 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 | Text 0458 737 732 | 24 hours, 7 days | Free and confidential information, counselling and support service for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
  • Full Stop Australia 1800 385 578 | 24 hours, 7 days | Free, confidential, trauma specialist counselling to people of all genders who have been subject to sexual, domestic and family violence, as well as their friends, colleagues and family members.
  • Lifeline 13 11 14 Crisis Support Chat 24 hours | Providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
  • AskIzzy Easily find help in your area with domestic and family violence, food, housing, money, support and counselling, everyday needs, health and wellbeing, advice and advocacy, work, learning and things to do.
  • Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 | 24 hours, 7 days | Free professional telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), relationship, stress and wellbeing.
  • UnitingCare 1800 387 387 (1800 EVP EVP) | Escaping Violence Payment provides up to $1500 in financial assistance such as vouchers for essential items, goods and services such as removalists, bonds or basics for a new home, wrap-around support including casework from the EVP provider for eligible people escaping violence.
  • Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 | Relationship support services for individuals, families and communities to achieve positive and respectful relationships.
  • Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 32 | 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday | National telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues, including information on parenting arrangements after separation. It can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance.
  • National Safer in the Home 1300 694 167 | Funding for basic security upgrades to the homes of family violence victim survivors.
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 & online chat | 24 hours, 7 days | Free support and counselling (talking through problems) to people aged 5-25.
  • Kids of Purple website to support young people affected by domestic and family violence.
  • Bravehearts 1800 272 831 | Information, advice and support for child sexual abuse survivors and their families.
  • eSafetyWomen Information for staying safer online, account and device safety, and reporting online cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse (sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without the consent of the person shown) and illegal and restricted content.
  • Are You Safe at Home? Features information around family violence and where to go for specialist support for yourself or someone you know.
  • Your Toolkit A step-by-step guide for a future beyond domestic violence including preparing to leave, contacting support services, rebuilding and moving forward, and managing finances. A coercive control self-assessment. How to support someone experiencing abuse.

  • DV Connect Womensline 1800 811 811 | 24 hours, 7 days | A free helpline for women and their children in Queensland who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Provides emergency transport and accommodation, specialist crisis counselling, safety planning, information, referrals & support, safe accommodation for pets.
  • Qld DVConnect Mensline 1800 600 636 | 9am – midnight, 7 days | A free and confidential helpline to support men who are using abuse or experiencing abuse in their intimate partner, ex-partner, or familial relationships.
  • Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) (07) 3217 2544  | bdvs.referral@micahprojects.org.au |  24 hours, 7 days | Support for people living in Brisbane | Can talk via phone, email, or meet wherever you feel safe. Confidential locations in South, North and Central Brisbane.
  • Women’s Legal Service 1800 957 957 | Gives free legal advice to women on areas of law including domestic violence and family law.
  • Micah Projects (07) 3029 7000 | Helping people in our community to access foundational human rights, such as housing, healthcare, safety, justice, and meaningful connection.
  • Legal Aid Queensland 1300 65 11 88 | Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm (AEST)  Information on FDV protection orders, FDV duty lawyers, children and FDV protection orders, Elder abuse legal and support services available to help.
  • Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 | A free national telephone service giving help to families affected by relationship or separation issues, including parents, grandparents, children, young people, step-parents and friends.
  • Victim Assist Queensland Financial assistance and support services to help victims of violent crime recover from an act of violence, including domestic and family violence.
  • Emergency Relief Program Support for vulnerable Queenslanders experiencing immediate financial hardship and provides access to items such as vouchers for food, transport and essential items, contributions to payment of third-party accounts such as utility bills, and through the provision of food parcels.

  • Safe Steps 1800 015 188 | 24 hours, 7 days | Online Chat | 9am-9pm Monday-Friday | safesteps@safesteps.org.au | Crisis support and accommodation for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
  • The Orange Door 9am-5pm Monday-Friday | Support and services for people at risk, including for family and domestic violence or abuse, and for families needing extra support with the wellbeing and development of children.
  • The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (03) 5222 4318 | reception@safvcentre.org.au | Mon – Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm | The SAFV Centre offer free and confidential services for adults, children and young people who have experienced sexual or family violence across the Barwon, Wimmera, South West and Western Melbourne areas of Victoria.
  • Victoria Legal Aid 1300 792 387 | Victoria Legal Aid can assist with family violence intervention orders and the My safety tool can assist you to understand common separation issues, connect you with services and help you plan for your safety.

  • NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 | 24 hours, 7 days | Provides counselling and referrals to women experiencing domestic violence. Can help you get hospital care, counselling and family support services, Apprehended Violence Orders, safety planning, emergency accommodation for you and your children, transport aand talk to the police, courts and lawyers.
  • Domestic Violence Service Management (DVSM) (02) 9251 2405 | Text | admin@dvnswsm.org.au; support@dvnswsm.org.au | Support in Inner and Western Sydney and Wilcannia, including support, counselling, and refuge/accommodation.
  • Women's & Girls' Emergency Centre | WAGEC 02 9319 4088, online chat | 24 hours, 7 days | Redfern based. Supports women, non-binary people and children impacted by homelessness, domestic and family violence and systemic disadvantage with counselling, housing and domestic and family violence support.
  • Women’s Legal Service NSW 1800 801 501 | Provides free, confidential legal advice and referrals to women in NSW, with a focus on family law, parenting issues, domestic violence, sexual assault and discrimination. 
  • Women’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) Provides women and their children with information, advocacy and safety planning, referrals to services including housing, counselling, financial assistance or health services. Some work with solicitors from the Domestic Violence Unit or Domestic Violence Duty Scheme, who can provide legal advice on matters including Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), financial advice, family law, immigration and other issues.
  • Parentline 1300 1300 52 | a telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents of children aged 0 to 18 years who live in NSW. Includes the Early Childhood Intervention Infoline, support and information about child development, disabilities and developmental delays.
  • Willow Women’s Legal on the Go, provides free and easy-to-access legal information for women experiencing domestic, family and sexual abuse, the kids, the house, money, pets, counselling and victims of crime compensation.  Includes tailored information for first nations women, women in custody, regional areas, with disabilities, migrant and working women.
  • Victims Support Scheme provides assistance to people who have been injured due to a violent crime or modern slavery, and the family members of someone who has died as a result of a homicide or a road crime.
  • Staying Home Leaving Violence | Communities and Justice program to prevent you and your children becoming homeless or having to move away from your support system of family and friends, and the school and community where you live. Works in cooperation with NSW Police to remove the perpetrator (the violent partner) from the family home. Provides safety planning, improving home security, help in managing finances, support for children, and help with the complicated legal process.

  • Domestic Violence Legal Service (08) 8999 7977 | Email: info@dvls.nt.gov.au | A free legal service for persons who have experienced or are at risk of domestic or family violence in Darwin and the greater Darwin region.
  • CatholicCare NT 1800 899 855 | intake@catholiccarent.org.au | Provides free support and services for those impacted by violence or using violence in their relationships. Specialist services are provided in Darwin, Naiuyu, Tiwi Islands and Wadeye.
  • Family Violence Law Help Has information about family law, child protection, domestic and family violence, the law, and where to get help.
  • Dawn House (08) 8945 1388 | 8.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday | All hours for emergencies only | info@dawnhouse.org.au | Provides services to women with children in their care escaping domestic, family and sexual violence including a women’s shelter and counselling. 
  • YWCA Domestic and Family Violence Centre (08) 8932 9155 | Provides crisis accommodation, safety planning, referrals, information, individualised plans, and  support to women and gender diverse people who are experiencing or have experienced family and domestic violence in the Greater Darwin region including security upgrades for homes.
  • Katherine Women’s Crisis Centre (08) 8972 1332 | Email info@kwcc.org.au | Provides crisis accommodation Critical Intervention Outreach Service (CIOS) to women that have previously utilised the KWCC accommodation services or who have been referred through the Family Safety Frameworks to women and children escaping domestic and family violence in Katherine, Mialli Brumby, Geyulkan, Rockhole, Binjari & Werenbun.
  • Tennant Creek Women’s Refuge (08) 8962 1940 | Provides support services and crisis accommodation for women and accompanying children who are victims or in fear of family/domestic violence.
  • Catherine Booth House (08) 8981 5928 | Darwin’s safe refuge for women who are being affected by domestic and family violence. Provides short-term crisis accommodation, case management and support for women over 18 years old, as well as outreach services women and children, men or LGBTQI who are experiencing domestic violence.
  • Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (08) 8952 6075 (Crisis Accommodation) | (08) 8953 7648 (Outreach Team) | ws@wossca.org.au Provides crisis accommodation, safety planning, referrals, information,  individualised plans, and  support for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

  • Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339 | 24 hours, 7 days | A statewide helpline providing support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing domestic and family violence in WA (including referrals to women’s refuges)
  • Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599 | *This helpline is operated by Department of Communities, your call will be answered by a child protection worker. We are here to help. Provides information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia.

  • Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098 | 24 hours, 7 days | A statewide service offering assistance to women experiencing domestic violence in South Australia by providing information, counselling and safe accommodation options.
  • Women's Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service 1800 246 642 Email: WDVCAS@lsc.sa.gov.au | The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service is a specialist legal service providing support to women affected by domestic and family violence operated by the Legal Services Commission primarily relating to helping women apply for intervention orders and ending tenancy agreements. The service is available between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm CST Monday to Friday.
  • Yarrow Place 1800 817 421 | Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service includes a 24/7 crisis response service for anyone aged 16 years and over at the time of the sexual assault. This includes support from a social worker, medical care by a doctor or nurse and collection of forensic evidence for people considering legal action.
  • Victim Support Services 1800 842 846 | Victim support services provide crisis accommodation and support to people affected by domestic and family violence and institutional child abuse.
  • Women's Legal Service 1800 816 349 | The Women's Legal Service provides free legal advice, assistance, referrals and representation to women. The advice helpline is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm CST Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

  • Women’s Legal Service Tasmania (WLST) 1800 682 468 | confidential and free legal advice and referral to women right across Tasmania through our telephone advice line.
  • Family Violence Counselling and Support Service 1800 608 122 | 9am – midnight Monday – Friday, 4pm – midnight weekends and public holidays | Offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence
  • Engender Equality (Hobart) (03) 6278 9090 | 9am-5pm Monday-Friday | Statewide service that supports people affected by family violence and offers a counselling service.
  • Safe Choices 1800 806 189 | 9am-5pm Monday-Friday | Statewide service providing practical support, advice and referral to support services, for those people experiencing family violence
  • Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania 1300 366 611 | Just Healthy Families: 1800 874 986 | Lawyers can talk with you about a range of issues, including violence in your home or family life, contact with Child Safety Services, separation from a partner or spouse, lack of control over your money and tenancy or housing problems referrals to TLA for men who are perpetrators or experiencing family violence.

  • ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service (02) 6280 0900 | 24 hours, 7 days | Online Chat
    Available but not 24/7 | crisis@dvcs.org.au | DVCS provides 24/7 assistance to anyone affected by family violence. DVCS also provides direct crisis intervention and telephone support, access to safe accommodation, court support to people who have been subjected to family violence, referrals and information for women, men and young people.
  • Legal Aid ACT 1300 654 314 | Family Violence & Personal Protection Unit:‌ (02) 6207 1874. | Helps all members of the ACT community who have concerns about their safety. Specialist domestic and family violence lawyers are available to provide you with free legal help every day of the week at the ACT Magistrates Court.
  • Toora Women Inc. (02) 6122 7000 | 9am-5pm Monday-Friday | tooraadmin@toora.org.au | Toora Domestic Violence Service is the ACT’s largest specialist domestic and family violence support service for women and children. Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Counselling Services, Domestic Violence Services, Homelessness Services.

  • Good Shepherd 1300 050 150 | 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday | Financial counselling and advice for victims of financial abuse and the economic impact of family and domestic violence including no interest loans for essential goods and services. Family violence, family counselling, parent support also available.
  • CWES - Centre for Women's Economic Safety Supports women experiencing, at risk of experiencing, or recovering from economic abuse in the context of domestic and family violence. Offers free Money Clinics™ for women, non-binary and gender diverse people experiencing financial and/or economic abuse, or who are concerned about their finances in the context of domestic and family violence anywhere in Australia by phone or Microsoft Teams video call.
  • National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 | step-by-step guides to solve common debt problems and a free, confidential and professional service if you need more help.
  • Financial Rights Legal Centre | Online NDH Chat | 9am to 8pm Sydney time | Specialist legal centre providing advice for anyone in financial distress. Help to understand your financial rights and take steps to sort out debts or disputes about credit, banking and insurance.
  • Financial Abuse Service (NSW) | Redfern Legal Centre 0481 730 344 | Monday to Thursday 10am -12:30pm and 2pm – 4pm, Friday 10am-12:30pm | Free legal advice and support to people across NSW who have money problems or family law issues as a result of financial abuse.
  • Financial Abuse Legal Service - Consumer Credit Legal Service (WA) (08) 9221 7066 | Ask for the Financial Abuse Legal Service 9am – 4pm WST Email – fals@cclswa.org.au. | Free legal advice and support for women experiencing financial abuse to address complex legal and financial matters and reclaim their financial future.
  • Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 651 192 | Free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the phone service in their state or territory.
  • Older Persons Advocacy Network 1800 700 600 8am – 8pm Mon – Fri | 10am – 4pm Sat | An advocate provides you with the information and support you need for better aged care. 
  • Compass 1800 ELDERHelp | 1800 353 374 | A national website created to help older Australians navigate the complex issue of elder abuse and to guide action to end the problem.

  • 13 Yarn (AUS) 13 92 76 | 24 hours,7 days | If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.
  • Legal Yarn 1800 319 803 | Mondays - Fridays from 9.00am to 4.00pm (WST) | A culturally safe telephone information service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Staffed by mob for mob, we can help with your legal issues. You can pick up the phone and yarn with mob if you need help with how to deal with all sorts of worries including unpaid fines, Family Law issues, Child Protection matters, and any Criminal Law matters.
  • Mob Strong Debt Help 1800 808 488 | Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm (Sydney time) | A free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We have information about things like Money Problems, Debt or Insurance & Super to help you understand your rights and know when to call us.
  • Djirra 1800 105 303 | 9am-10pm Monday-Friday | Culturally safe family violence and legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • First Nations Women’s Legal Program (FNWLP) can help with domestic and family abuse, sexual abuse, separation, home, belongings and debts, kids and discrimination at work. ‘You can yarn with a First Nations community access worker. She will walk beside you during your contact with our service. We will listen. We don’t work for the government. We are not mandatory reporters. The legal system believes your kids should keep relationships with their family, culture, and country.’
  • Brother to Brother from Dardi Munwurro (VIC) | 1800 435 799 | 24 hours, 7 days | The Brother to Brother crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. The line is staffed by Aboriginal men, including Elders, who have a lived experience in the issues that the line offers support for.
  • Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter (DAIWS) (08) 8945 2284 | 24 hours, 7 days | Safe and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are escaping family violence. The services provided include support, referral, outreach and domestic violence crisis accommodation.
  • Dardi Munwurro (VIC) (03) 8456 3044 | info@dardimunwurro.com.au | Specialist Aboriginal family violence service. Delivering a range of family violence programs to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma in Aboriginal families and communities.
  • Yarning SafeNStrong (VIC) 1800 959 563 | 24 hours, 7 days | Free confidential helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing.
  • Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter (DAIWS) (08) 8945 2284 | 24 hours, 7 days | Safe and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are escaping family violence. The services provided include support, referral, outreach and domestic violence crisis accommodation.

  • Lifeline - Multicultural people 131 450 | Say your language, Say Lifeline 13 11 14, Wait for a connection, Speak to the Lifeline crisis supporter in your language.
  • Motivation4change 1800 755 988 | Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm | A free and voluntary early intervention program for men who use violence that addresses the significant barriers migrant and refugee men can face when engaging with mainstream family violence services.
  • Immigrant Women's Support Services (QLD) (07) 3846 3490 | Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm | A specialist service response for immigrant and refugee women from non-English speaking background and their children who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.
  • InTouch (VIC) 1800 755 988 | 9am-5pm Monday-Friday | Tailored support for women from migrant and refugee communities experiencing family violence, available in many languages.
  • Immigration Advice and Rights Centre | DV Priority Line: (02) 8234 0777 | free immigration legal advice and assistance to people experiencing vulnerability and gives priority appointments to people subject to domestic and family violence. IARC’s Women Leaving Violence Service (WLVS) assists women and children experiencing Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV), provides women with trauma-informed legal advice and assists victim-survivors and their children to find pathways to safety and permanency, away from violence.

  • Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence 1800 497 212 | The Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline is for anyone in Australia who is from LGBTQ+ communities who has recently or in the past experienced sexual, domestic or family violence and their family members, friends and supporters. This service provides professional trauma counselling provided by counsellors who have completed specialist training provided by ACON, information and referral to other services and vicarious trauma support and debrief for professionals.
  • QLife 1800 184 527 | Webchat |  3pm - Midnight 7 days | Peer counselling for people from LGBT backgrounds including for FDV.
  • Rainbow Door (VIC) 1800 729 367 | 10am-6pm, 7 days | Online Chat Text 0480 017 246  10am-6pm, 7 days | support@rainbowdoor.org.au | Free information, support, and referrals for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, asexual and queer people, friends and family.
  • Another Closet Online resource with information and referral details on LGBTIQ domestic and family violence.
  • Safe Relationships Project (NSW) | 1800 244 481 | the Inner City Legal Centre, provides people who are experiencing domestic violence in same sex relationships with support, advocacy, referrals and legal information. Free on-the-spot legal advice to any LGBTQI+ people experiencing domestic violence at our duty legal service on Wednesday from 9:00am to 1:00pm on level five of the Downing Centre Local Court.

  • BlueKnot Helpline 1800 421 468 | National disability counselling and referral service.

Some FDV refuges allow pets. If not, there are alternatives.
 
  • PetRescue (AUS) Through our free online helpdesk, our team offer guidance and support for people who experiencing homelessness, domestic and family violence, hospitalisation or financial hardship.  We want to give all Australian pet owners a better alternative to surrendering their much-loved family pets when times are tough.
  • Found Hearts (AUS) Our short-term emergency foster database ensures families who face sudden homelessness, domestic violence, disaster, hospitalisation or another family crisis can receive assistance with their beloved pets. Once the emergency is over the pet is returned home so the family can be together again.
  • Safe House For Pets - Second Chance Animal Rescue (VIC) (03) 9357 0834 | outreach@secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au | Offers emergency pet boarding to pet owners facing crisis, so they don’t have to relinquish their beloved companions during challenging times.
  • Family violence how can I help my pet? (WA) A free service providing a temporary home for pets whose owners are experiencing immediate family and domestic violence. Via a referral from a caseworker only - Ask your case worker or healthcare professional to make a referral on your behalf.
  • Domestic and Family Violence Support - RSPCA (NSW) (02) 9782 4408 | RSPCA NSW’s Domestic and Family Violence Support Program allows pet-owning individuals experiencing domestic violence to find safety and preserve their relationships with their beloved companion animals.
  • Safe Pets Safe Families (SA) providing support through programs and services to pet owners in the South Australian community facing disadvantage or crisis, such as domestic violence, homelessness, mental illness or a medical emergency.
  • Safe Beds Program ⋆ RSPCA (TAS) 03 6709 8100 | Offers Safe Beds for companion animals of people who are experiencing housing insecurity due to domestic/family violence.

  • No to Violence & Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 | 24 hours, 7 days | No to Violence provides a range of services to support men concerned about their behaviour to change what they are doing and keep women, children and communities safer.
  • Don't Become That Man 1300 24 34 13 | Support to encourage and facilitate early intervention and prevention programs for men who have concerns about their current controlling behaviour, and even more concerns about how that behaviour might escalate to violence.
  • BETTER MAN Project A free self-led online program that helps you reflect on your relationships and make positive behaviour changes.
  • Futures Free from Violence (VIC) 03 9663 6733 | Offers women, trans, and gender diverse people who have used force and/or violence in family and intimate partner relationships the opportunity to work towards change in both a supported group and one-to-one therapeutic environment.

We’re here to help

If you need additional help or would like to talk to someone about domestic and family violence, please fill out this form.
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