ESTHERS Australia offers Domestic and Family Violence assistance including safety planning and advocacy. We also facilitate access to a network of professional services to assist with the legal and social welfare needs of clients.
What should I do if I am being abused?
You should get help.
If you are being abused, you may be told by the person abusing you that what you are experiencing is not a big deal. But it is. It is never OK for someone to abuse you. It’s important for you and your baby that you seek advice and get support.. You can find out more here about signs that I am in a domestic violence relationship.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on triple zero (000).
You can call us or see numbers listed below for all states and after hours services.
What should I do if someone I know is being abused?
If you are concerned for a friend, relative or neighbour who may be experiencing domestic violence, you can find out more here about the signs of domestic violence. This may help you identify some of these signs and start a conversation with the person you are concerned about. You can also call one of the support organisations below to ask for advice.
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How to support people experiencing family violence
Find a safe place and allow time for the person to talk
Listen to what they have to say and believe them – their description of the abuse is only the tip of the iceberg
Give priority to their immediate safety
listen without making any judgements
Empower them to make their own decisions
Support and respect their choices – even if they choose initially to return to the abuser
If children experience family violence their safety must come first
Give them information about relevant support agencies and if appropriate, offer to contact the agency for them
Consult with people who are properly trained in the matter
Reassure them that this is not their fault, they don’t deserve this treatment, and it is not God’s will for them
Let them know that what the abuser has done is wrong and completely unacceptable
Love and support them
Be patient
Protect their privacy
Stay in touch and continuing to check how she is
About our family & domestic violence services
0479 055 777
Domestic and Family violence doesn’t discriminate, affecting individuals and families and any cultural heritage, leaving a terrible and lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Internationally, research suggests that domestic and family violence during pregnancy is widespread and that violence often begins during pregnancy or, if violence already existed, increases in severity during pregnancy and into the first month of motherhood.
Our domestic and family violence services provide safety planning and access to a network of professional services to assist with other legal and social welfare needs, such as support programs and accommodation.
Call us on 0479 055 777
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
24 hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Call toll-free 1800 737 732.
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1800 880 052
An Australia-wide telephone hotline for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability.
Call the free hotline on 1800 880 052.
TAS - call the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service on 1800 608 122
VIC - call the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188 or 03 9322 3555
ACT - call Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT on (02) 6280 0900
NSW - call the Domestic violence line on 1800 656 463
QLD - call DV Connect on 1800 811 811
NT - call Dawn House on (08) 8945 1388
SA - call the Womens Safety Services on 1800 800 098
WA - call the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339 or (08) 9223 1188