WHERE TO GET HELP
Below are contact information and links to existing LGBTIQA domestic violence service providers in NSW.
These support service networks work to ensure your safety and will not ask you to disclose your own and / or your abusive partner’s personal details when seeking help.
Under state and commonwealth law you have the right to seek support and services if you are experiencing violence in your relationship. If you experience any inappropriateness, refusal or reluctance by these support agencies to respond to this violence, on the basis on your sexuality/ relationship status please report this discrimination to either the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 6565 419 or the Anti-Discrimination Board NSW on 1800 670 812.
State-wide Domestic Violence Support Services
In an Emergency Call 000
Call this line when your current or former partner has hurt/injured/assault you or threatened to do so. Make sure you specify what emergence service you are after. The police is best when you are in fear for your own safety and the ambulance is best when you are injured.
1800 Respect is a branch of the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
Calling the NSADFVCS Helpline on 1800 373 732 will allow any person who has experienced sexual assault, domestic and/or family violence access to a 24-hour, 7 days counselling service run by experienced professionals who can deliver information and confidential counselling support. Be aware that calling from a landline is free, but you will be charged if calling from a mobile phone
NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 is a 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline run by the NSW Government Department of Family and Community Services.
Domestic Violence Line staff can:
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Arrange appropriate emergency accommodation specific and tailored to an individual’s sexuality/ identity (i.e. explaining and referring people to refuges that are accepting and accommodating of their transgender, intersex, gender, queer or unspecified sex identity).
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Refer you to other support services, such as family support, counselling, the police, legal services and court assistance schemes, hospitals and healthcare centres.
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Explain what an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is, how it works and how to apply for one.
Link2home 1800 152 152 is homelessness service line run by the NSW Government Department of Family and Community Services.
This state wide information and referral service works provide those at risk of homelessness or in need of homelessness services with support and accommodation services across NSW. This line will work with individuals to identify what kind of help is needed and then go on to contact localised emergency / crisis housing providers who can readily provide the identified support services and accommodation. It operates daily from 9am to 10pm.
AURORA is a domestic and family violence app created by the NSW Government
This app is free to download on both iPhones and Androids. The app contains emergency contact information, information describing the types of behaviours that can be defined as abusive and vital information and links to support services available and accessible in NSW. The built in safety features of this app allow an individual experiencing IPV to use the enclosed information and support services discretely (i.e. without tipping off your abusive partner). It even has an emergency alert function which can be used to message trusted friends/ family members or emergency services in dire situations.
LGBTIQA Domestic Violence Support Services
The Gender Centre
The Gender Centre is a support service network specifically for transgender people, gender diverse people and gender questioning people. The Centre can provide domestic violence victims with counselling, education, accommodation, outreach support services, referrals to services specific to their needs as either transgender, gender diverse gender questioning person.
Website: www.gendercentre.org.au
Phone: 02 9569 2366
Email: reception@gendercentre.org.au
ACON
ACON community based LGBTI health and HIV/AIDS organisation that offers a range of information, referral, counselling and support services for LGBTIQA people experiencing domestic violence. This service can either offer an ear to listen to your situation, put you in touch of other support services or provide you with information.
Website: www.acon.org.au
Phone: (02) 9206 2000
Freecall: 1800 063 060
TTY: (02) 9283 2088
Safe Relationships Project (SRP)
SRP, is a branch of the Inner City Legal Centre that offers a range of legal and court support services for LGBTIQA people experiencing or seeking to escape abusive circumstances. They offer court support, free legal advice to those wishing to go through court proceedings across NSW, as well as a Safe Room for domestic violence/ family violence victims at Sydney’s Downing Centre (District Court).
Website: www.iclc.org.au/srp/
Phone: 02 9332 196 or 1800 244 481
Email: srp@iclc.org.au
The Transgender Anti-Violence Project (TAVP)
The Transgender Anti-Violence Project (TAVP) is a service through the Gender Centre that works to assist victims of domestic / family / intimate partner violence report the abuse they have experienced to the police or when being questioned by the police. Reporting to the TAVP can be anonymous.
Website: www.tavp.org.au
Phone: 1800 069 115
Email: tavp@gendercentre.org.au
Inner City Legal Centre
The Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) is a state-wide free legal advice service for LGBTIQA people. Appointments can be made in person or other the phone on Wednesday nights and during business hours.
Website: www.iclc.org.au
Phone: (02) 9332 1966
Email: iclc@iclc.org.au
