Domestic violence victims can often feel unheard and not helped, both throughout and after their experiences, and often feel like they don’t know where to look to seek assistance. But help is out there, and there are several different programs and organisations that can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to help victims escape their circumstances and begin to rebuild their lives.
Victim Services NSW
The NSW Government branch Victims Services currently runs the Victims Support Scheme for all victims of crime, including domestic violence. This includes not only those who have been directly affected, but also those who are affected by witnessing the crime, such as family members. The type of support is primarily focused on financial assistance, providing money to cover any immediate needs as well as covering more long-term economic loss. This service is particularly useful for providing victims with a lump sum Recognition Payment, as well as ongoing financial assistance as and when needed, determined by the individual’s circumstances.
It is important that if you are experiencing domestic violence, you contact the NSW Police Force as soon as you can. Besides helping to stop the violence and ensure your safety, this is one of the requirements to be eligible for Victims Services.
Timeframes for Victim Services NSW
It is also crucial to keep in mind the timeframes for applying to Victims Services. For their counselling services, there are no time limits, and you can call at any time after the incident for a private and confidential chat. However, for financial support, you will generally need to contact Victims Services within two years of the incident occurring, or two years after turning 18 if it occurred when you were a child. The exception to this is the Recognition Payment, which you can obtain up to ten years after a domestic violence incident. If you apply after two years, however, besides this one-off payment, you will likely be very limited or unable to receive any other kind of financial support regardless of your need.
Other Assistance Programs
There are also a range of programs and organisations that provide other kinds of assistance to those who have experienced domestic violence. White Ribbon Australia works tirelessly to promote several different services, including:
- 24-hour hotlines such as 1800 RESPECT for anyone experiencing, or at risk of, family/domestic violence or sexual assault;
- A Men’s Referral Service to provide men with assistance, information and counselling in relation to domestic violence;
- A Kids Help Line to provide private and confidential counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25;
- 13 Yarn to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experiencing a crisis;
- And an Elder Abuse Line for people who experience, or witness, elder abuse.
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
Organisations such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline are more targeted towards assisting people with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health disorders. These organisations have 24-hour hotlines, and can help provide over-the-phone advice and assistance to those who are experiencing mental health problems, particularly those suffering from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, and help you take that first step in reaching out and getting the help you may need.
Emergency Accommodation – Link2Home
Finally, for those who need emergency accommodation to leave a dangerous or violent environment, there is Link2Home, an NSW Government organisation that provides another 24-hour hotline that can help those in need find urgent accommodation. They specialize in helping victims of domestic violence find shelters or services they may need, as well as anyone experiencing homelessness for any reason.
Important Numbers
Some of the hotlines discussed in this article include:
- Victims Services (Victims Access Line) - 1800 633 063
- 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
- Men’s Referral Service - 1300 766 491
- Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800
- Elder Abuse Line - 1300 651 192
- 13 Yarn - 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Link2Home (Domestic Violence Line) - 1800 656 463
- Link2Home (Homelessness Line) - 1800 152 152
Remember – in an emergency, always call 000 for urgent help.
If you or someone you know wish to discuss this issue further, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 02 8999 9809.