Where to go for help with domestic violence and other abusive situations

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.

Statistics surrounding domestic and non-physical abuse bring to light how prevalent violence against women, and men, in Australia is.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics:

• One in five women (18 per cent or 1.7 million) and one in twenty men (4.7 per cent or 428,800) experienced sexual violence.

• Women were nearly three times more likely to have experienced partner violence than men, with approximately one in six women (17 per cent or 1.6 million) and one in sixteen men (6.1 per cent or 547,600) having experienced partner violence since the age of 15.

• One in four women (23 per cent or 2.2 million) and one in six men (16 per cent or 1.4 million) reported experiencing emotional abuse by a current and/or previous partner since the age of 15.

• One in two women (53 per cent or 5 million) and one in four men (25 per cent or 2.2 million) had experienced sexual harassment during their lifetime.

• One in six women (17 per cent or 1.6 million) and one in fifteen men (6.5 per cent or 587,000) experienced an episode of stalking since the age of 15.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence and need help or support, please contact one of the support hotline numbers below.

Police and Ambulance

Dial 000 in an emergency and in cases of immediate danger.

Domestic Violence Hotlines

1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
A confidential information, counselling and support service that is open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

Lifeline
13 11 14
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service

Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. 

National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1800 880 052
An Australia-wide telephone hotline for reporting abuse and neglect of people with disability.

Blue Knot Foundation
1300 657 380
A leading national organisation working to improve the lives of the five million Australian adults who are survivors of childhood trauma, including abuse.

Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline
1800 019 123

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
A nationwide service that provides 24/7 telephone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.

Mensline Australia
1300 789 978
A telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. 

Kids Help Line
1800 551 800
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 in Australia.

Support Services

The White Ribbon website provides a great breakdown of state-based support services.