A shared responsibility for all Australian governments
Women’s safety is a national priority. The Australian, state and territory governments have collectively committed to end violence against women and ensure appropriate support is available to people who need it, when they need it.
The Australian Government is providing the focus and national leadership needed to prevent violence by providing services that can assist people experiencing family or domestic violence. This includes support through the social security system, as well as housing, health, education and legal assistance services.
States and territories are primarily responsible for the delivery of frontline services and for the administration of justice and child protection responses. These include specialist family, domestic and sexual violence services, perpetrator programs, emergency accommodation, generalist services (for example, health services, family relationships services), policing and the court system.
Read more about the activities in the First Action Plan 2023-2027 Activities Addendum.
Australian Government safety programs
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
It is a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.
To contact 1800RESPECT:
- phone: 1800 737 732 – 24 hours, 7 days a week
- text: 0458 737 732 – 24 hours, 7 days a week
- online chat: visit the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website – 24 hours, 7 days a week
- video call: visit the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website – Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST except national public holidays. No appointment needed.
For further information about 1800RESPECT and domestic, family and sexual violence information and resources, visit the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website.
DV-alert
DV-alert is a free training program for health, allied health and essential workers to help them better identify domestic and family violence and improve their referral and support skills.
More information about domestic and family violence training can be found on the DV-alert(Opens in a new tab/window) website.
Leaving Violence Program
The Leaving Violence Program was announced on 1 May 2024.
The Program will support eligible victim-survivors (regardless of gender or visa status) with financial support of up to $5,000 (include up to $1,500 in cash and the remaining funds in goods and services). Support will include safety planning, risk assessment and referrals to other essential services for up to 12 weeks.
The Leaving Violence Program will begin in mid-2025. Until then, victim-survivors can receive support from the Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) national trial and place-based trial, and the Temporary Visa Holders Experiencing Violence Pilot (TVP).
Learn more about the Leaving Violence Program.
Men’s referral service
Call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit the Men’s Referral Service online(Opens in a new tab/window) if you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.