Help is out there
Most of our relationships are based on love and respect, but unfortunately some are based on power and control.
Over the past seven months these columns have told the stories of community members and their experiences of domestic violence. We hope by sharing their stories, you may be able to recognise the signs of relationship abuse, either in your relationships or your friends’ and families’ relationships.
If your relationship is abusive, help is out there.
DV Line: The Domestic Violence Line provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for people who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. The DV Line is a statewide service available 24 hours seven days a week on freecall 1800 656 463.
Police: In any emergency always call 000. The police are trained in dealing with same-sex domestic violence and violence experienced by transgender and intersex people.
GLCS: The Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service provides free phone counselling 5.30-10.30pm, seven days a week.
ACON: The Anti-Violence Project has a report line and a same-sex domestic violence officer who can provide you with appropriate referrals to access support.
The Gender Centre: The Gender Centre recently launched the Transgender Anti-Violence Project where you can report violence and be supported by a case worker.
OII: The Organisation Intersex International can provide you with peer support and referrals.
ICLC: The Inner City Legal Centre runs the Safe Relationships Project which provides free domestic violence court assistance which helps you go to court and get an AVO, as well as providing support and referrals for counselling, housing, and legal advice for the LGBTIQ community.
We all have a right to safe, healthy and respectful relationships — don’t settle for anything less.
info: www.anothercloset.com.au or contact the Safe Relationships Project www.iclc.org.au/srp 02 9332 1966 or 1800 244 481.
Kate Duffy is the Project Officer of the Safe Relationships Project and a solicitor at the Inner City Legal Centre.
