DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE

Domestic Violence HelplineThe Domestic Violence Integrated Agency Response is a multi-agency approach to Domestic Violence focussing on services working together. Domestic Violence affects many in our community, however, change is possible. One in four women experience abuse. For women who find themselves in these situations, support for their choices is available. For men who are troubled by their violence and the effects on their partners and children, support to change is available.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE
Telephone Counsellors can assist with counselling, information or referral to other agencies. The service is available 24 hours and is a freecall statewide. If emergency accommodation or assistance is required the call can be transferred to the Domestic Violence
Crisis Service.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS SERVICE

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic Violence occurs where one person in a relationship uses his or her violent and/or abusive behaviour to control and dominate others. It is any behaviour that causes someone to live in fear. Domestic Violence occurs in all socio-economic and
cultural groups and in same-sex relationships. In the majority of cases the man is the person perpetrating
the abuse and the woman is the person being abused. Family Violence occurs between young people and
their siblings or parents.

 

 

Domestic & Family Violence can include any one or more of the following;

Cycle of Violence

CYCLE OF VIOLENCE
A pattern can often be identified in Domestic Violence. There may be an incident or ‘explosion’. This can be followed by feelings of remorse, blame or denial by the person perpetrating the abuse.

They may be ashamed and promise it will never happen again and that they will change. Or they may blame alcohol or drugs or even the person being abused for causing the violence. The violence may be minimised eg “it was only a little push, they tripped.”

A ‘honeymoon’ period may follow where everything appears calm and gifts or flowers may be bought for the person who has been abused. Both may hope or believe things will change, however, beliefs and attitudes have not changed.

After this honeymoon period there may be a build up of tension. Some women describe this period as walking on eggshells as they are afraid that anything may result in further violence. This period continues until there is another explosion. The cycle starts again. The length of the cycle may be days, weeks or months. It is different in each case.

MYTH: A woman can always leave.
FACT: There are many factors that make it difficult to leave. A woman may fear for the lives of her children or herself. She may have no job or money and lack confidence to obtain work. She may feel guilty for breaking up the family unit and may still love her partner. She may not want to leave, she may just want the abuse to stop.

MYTH: The woman must have done something to deserve it.
FACT: The man may be seen as a nice considerate man to others outside the home so the woman may start to believe it must be her fault. The man often tells his partner that the violence is her fault so that he doesn’t have to take responsibility for his own behaviour.

MYTH: He’s good with the kids. Children are better off with both parents.
FACT:Children are affected by living in a violent home. They may feel it is their fault or they may grow up thinking violence in a relationship is acceptable. Being violent to a partner is not being good to the kids.

MYTH: He’s under a lot of stress.
FACT: Everyone has times of stress in their lives but everyone has a choice how they handle it. Choosing to be abusive to someone to relieve stress is not acceptable.

 MYTH: Violence is caused by alcohol or drugs.
FACT: Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions and are often used as an excuse for violent behaviour rather than taking responsibility for their actions. Many people use alcohol and drugs without being abusive.

MYTH: What goes on in the home is no one else’s business.
FACT: No one has the right to be violent or threaten anyone. It makes no difference whether they are living together, physical assault is a crime. Any domestic violence is unacceptable.

THE EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN
Children often know exactly what is going on. They suffer and are hurt by hearing and witnessing violence. This is called emotional child abuse.

Some effects on children who witness domestic violence may include;

Learning that violence is a legitimate means for obtaining control of a situation, or for resolving conflict Kids can contact the Kids Helpline on: 1800-551 800


SERVICES FOR WOMEN
Assistance is available at most Community Health Centres and Families SA. These are listed in the white pages of the Telephone Directory.



SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Nunkuwarrin Yunti, in Adelaide, has culturally appropriate female and male counsellors available. This is a free service but an appointment is required. Services are available in country areas. Please ring your local Community Health Centre.



SERVICES FOR MIGRANT WOMEN
The Migrant Women’s Support and Accommodation Service provides free and confidential support services and subsidised accommodation to migrant women and their children from diverse cultural backgrounds experiencing domestic violence.


SERVICES FOR MEN
For men who want help to change their abusive behaviour there are services available. Relationships Australia runs a weekly group for men who want to work towards non-abusive relationships.
For men involved with the Police or Courts the Northern or Central Violence Intervention Programs may be able to assist with individual counselling or groups.


POLICE CHILD AND FAMILY INVESTIGATION UNITS
The Police have special units, which deal with domestic violence and other forms of family violence. Police officers are specially trained to provide assistance, intervention and referral advice to parties involved in or affected by domestic or family violence.


LEGAL ADVICE
You may wish to seek advice regarding spouse maintenance, restraining orders, parenting plans, protection of property, divorce and property settlements. Free legal advice on most legal problems is available by telephone and by appointment at most Legal Services Commission offices. If you need a lawyer, you can apply for legal aid through any of the offices of the Legal Services Commission or through many private lawyers.


The Women’s Legal Service in South Australia provides a free and confidential legal service to women by telephone or appointment. If you would prefer to talk to an indigenous worker please ask.


Women’s Information Service is another service that may be able to assist with free legal advice, and may provide a volunteer to accoumpany women to court on matters to do with domestic violence.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - TAKE THE STEP TO BREAK THE CYCLE.

Website: www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au


USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

Police 000 or 131 444
Domestic Violence Crisis Service 1300 782 200
Crisis Care 131 611
National Relay Service 13 36 77
Nunkuwarrin Yunti 8223 5217
Migrant Women’s Support and Accommodation Service 8346 9417
Telephone Interpreting Service 13 14 50
Legal Services Commission 1300 366 424
The Women’s Legal Service 82215553
(country callers) 1800 816 349
Facing up to violence and abuse-A group for men 8245 8100
Kids Helpline1800 551 800
Child Abuse Report Line 13 14 78
Lifeline (telephone 24hrs) 13 11 14
Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide 8202 5111
Centacare 8210 8200
Anglicare 8305 9200
Relationships Australia 8223 4144
Gay Men's Health 8334 1617
Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service 8334 1623
Women's Information Service 8303 0590
(country callers) 1800 188 158
Aged Rights Advocacy Service 8232 5377
(country callers) 1800 700 600