Funding boost for major domestic violence helpline
A major domestic violence helpline will be given a multimillion-dollar funding boost to help more people reach out for help.
November 25, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, kicks off 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Parliament House will be lit in orange on Tuesday night to recognize the event.
The federal government has announced an additional $41.8 million in aid for 1800RESPECT, a helpline that provides confidential information, counseling and support to people experiencing domestic violence.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and access is free.
It was founded in 2010 and has seen a 3,000 per cent increase in people seeking help contacting the service.
The service launched an SMS channel in 2023, followed by video consultations in 2024.
In the last financial year, the service received more than 342,000 calls, video calls, online chats and messages; thus allowing victim survivors to seek support through the means best suited to their needs.
Minister of Social Services Tanya Plibersek said 1800RESPECT has revolutionized the way women experiencing violence take the first step towards getting help.
“It’s a good thing that more people are recognizing the signs of violence and seeking help,” he said.
“This announcement means 1800RESPECT can continue to provide this vital service to everyone who contacts them, including victims of violence and the family and friends who want to support them.”
Ms Plibersek called on all governments and services to do better when it comes to protecting victims of domestic violence, following media reports that women killed as a result of gender-based violence are being failed by the police and support systems.
Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher said many women in Australia live in fear of male violence.
“Services like 1800RESPECT are often the first safe door they can go through to tell their story and get help,” she said.
“This funding increase means more calls, more chats, more messages and more video sessions can be answered when women and their children reach out.”
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Male Referral Service 1300 766 491
