If you are not in immediate danger but want to talk about your safety, there are a range of support services operating in the ACT.
Organisations that can support you are still open and operating and can provide you with options to keep yourself and your family safe. But these services may be working differently due to COVID – for example talking to you over the phone or via video conference. Services are working closely together so there is no wrong door to go through to ask for help.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
DVCS can provide support 24 hours, 7 days a week to those in the community who are impacted by domestic and family violence, including those who are at risk of using violence. They can provide crisis intervention, legal advocacy, safety planning and referrals.
Phone: 6280 0900
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre (CRCC)
CRCC counselling, crisis appointments and advocacy appointments are available on the phone. A 24-hour callout service to police and forensic services is open for those wishing to report sexual assault.
Phone: 6247 2525
Open: 7am to 11pm, 7 days a week
1800 RESPECT
Support is available via phone or web chat for those experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence
Phone: 1800 RESPECT (737 732)
Web chat: 1800Respect - web chat
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Victim Support ACT at the ACT Human Rights Commission
Victim Support ACT is open and ready to support you. Please call us if you need to talk about your safety, access to counselling, immediate financial assistance in relation to a violent crime or are worried about the way you’ve been treated by police, prosecutors, the courts or corrections in connection to being a victim of crime.
Phone: 6205 2222
Email: victimsupportintake@act.gov.au
Open: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Women’s Legal Centre ACT
Women’s Legal Centre solicitors and social workers assist women who cannot afford a private lawyer and do not qualify for Legal Aid. If you are separated and are worried about how to manage your parenting arrangements during this time, or if you are contemplating separation and want to know your legal options to protect your safety or your kids’ safety, the Women’s Legal Centre can help.
Women’s Legal Centre can also help if you are having problems working with care and protection, or problems at work related to family or domestic violence or COVID-19.
The centre’s Aboriginal Women’s Program is also operating if you need a yarn or a hand to make sure you’ve got the support you need.
Phone: 6257 4377
Email for referrals: referral@womenslegalact.org
Open: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Legal Aid ACT
The Legal Aid ACT Family Violence Unit is open and available by telephone to anyone who needs legal advice or assistance regarding family violence or related family law issues. This includes representation in the Magistrates Court (by phone) to obtain Family Violence Orders. Our Community Liaison team is also available for assistance with family violence related support, including our social worker, men’s worker, cultural liaison officers and Aboriginal support officers.
Legal Aid ACT Helpline: 1300 654 314
Open: Monday - Thursday: 8:30am - 7:00pm; and Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Street Law
Street Law is a free and confidential outreach legal service for people, including services targeted to young people, who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Street Law provides legal advice and casework assistance and connects clients with other services.
Phone: 1800 STR LAW (1800 787 529) or (02) 6218 7900
Open: Level 1, 21 Barry Drive Turner to make an appointment or attend an advice clinic at their outreach locations.
OneLink
OneLink officers can talk with you about your situation and what services might help. They will provide you with information about options and, where appropriate, will follow up to connect you to services.
Phone: 1800 176 468
Open Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday: 12.30pm to 5pm
