Violence against women is associated with many negative health consequences for women.

Living with violence contributes to factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, substance abuse and stress.

In association with this is the significant harmful effect on the psychological and physical health of any children witnessing this violence within the home.

Community health care providers such as district nurses, practice nurses and GPs are in close contact with the family and can observe the family dynamics.

They are often the only health care professionals in a position to be able to build a rapport with the family.

Consequently a survivor of domestic violence may confide in them, enforcing the health professional to play a pivotal role in empowerment and the initiation of essential support services.

Resources

Management of the whole family when intimate partner violence is present: GP Guidelines
 Initimate Partner Violence (230.15 KB)

Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/

The Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC)
http://www.dvirc.org.au/

Violence Against Women - Australia Says No

www.australiasaysno.gov.au/

Violence against women in Australia, Australia Says No - Confidential Helpline
Anyone experiencing violence can call the 24-hour Confidential Helpline on 1800 200 526.
When you call the helpline you can have a confidential discussion with an experienced counsellor.

Emergency Situation

For emergency situations that require immediate and urgent assistance call 000.

Young People

For young people, the 24 hour Kids Help Line may be a preferred choice on 1800 551 800.

Hearing Impaired

Callers who are deaf or have a hearing impairment may call through the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and quote 1800 200 526.

Translating and Interpreting Service

If you do not speak English well and you wish to talk with a counsellor, call the Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the Helpline for you.

ACT  Phone
Domestic Violence  6280 0900
Sexual Assault  6247 2525
Relationships Australia  6281 3600
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

NSW  Phone
Domestic Violence (DoCS)  1800 656 463
Sexual Assault (Syd)  9819 6565
Sexual Assault (Rural)  1800 424 017
Relationships Australia  9425 4999
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

Northern Territory  Phone
Domestic Violence  1800 019 116
Sexual Assault (Darwin)  8922 7156
Sexual Assault (Alice Springs)  8951 5880
Relationships Australia  8981 6676
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

Queensland  Phone
Domestic Violence  1800 811 811
Sexual Assault  1800 010 120
Relationships Australia  3217 2900
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

South Australia  Phone
Domestic Violence  1800 800 098
Sexual Assault  1800 817 421
Relationships Australia  8223 4566
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

Tasmania  Phone
Domestic Violence  1800 633 937
Sexual Assault (Southern)  6231 1811
Sexual Assault (Northern)  6334 2740
Sexual Assault (Nth West) 6431 9711
Relationships Australia  6211 4050
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78

Victoria  Phone
Domestic Violence (Melb)  9373 0123
Domestic Violence (Rural)  1800 015 188
Sexual Assault  1800 806 292
Relationships Australia  9835 7570
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78
Men's Referral Service (metro) 9428 2899 
                                   (regional)  1800 065 973

Western Australia  Phone
Domestic Violence  1800 007 339
Sexual Assault 1800  199 888
Relationships Australia  9489 6363
Mensline Australia  1300 78 99 78 

Websites

Violence Against Women - Australia Says No www.australiasaysno.gov.au/

The Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre (DVIRC)
www.dvirc.org.au/

LifeLine
telephone counselling (general) Ph: 131 114.
www.lifeline.org.au

Translating and Interpreting Service
Phone to gain access to an interpreter in your own language (free) Ph: 131-450
www.immi.gov.au/tis/

Kids Help Line Telephone counselling for children and young people
Freecall: 1800 551 800.
E-mail and web counselling
www.kidshelp.com.au 

Australian Childhood Foundation
Counselling for children and young people affected by abuse Ph. 1800-176-453 or 9874 -3922.
www.childhood.org.au  or www.stopchildabuse.com.au

Relationships Australia
Support groups and counselling on relationships, and for abusive and abused partners. Ph. 1300-364-277 or Vic (03) 9261-8700.
www.relationships.com.au

Content updated December 22, 2006