A major domestic violence helpline will receive a multimillion-dollar funding boost to ensure more people who reach out for assistance can access it.
The federal government has announced an additional $41.8 million for 1800RESPECT, a hotline that provides confidential information, counselling and support for people experiencing domestic violence.
The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to access.
How effective has the service been?
It was established in 2010 and has had a 3,000 per cent increase in contacts with the service from people seeking help.
In 2023, the service launched an SMS channel, followed by video counselling in 2024.
In the last financial year, the service received more than 342,000 calls, video calls, online chats, and texts, allowing victim-survivors to seek support via the medium that best suited their needs.
What has the government said about the hotline?
"It's a good thing that more people are identifying signs of violence and seeking help. This announcement means that 1800RESPECT can keep providing this vital service to everyone that contacts them, including victims of violence and family and friends who want to support them." — Tanya Plibersek, Social Services Minister.
Why the investment now?
The international day for the elimination of violence against women is marked on 25 November, kickstarting 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Parliament House will be illuminated orange on Tuesday night to recognise the event.
Plibersek has called on all governments and services to do better when it comes to protecting victims of domestic violence, following media reports about the way women who have been killed as a result of gender-based violence were failed by police and support systems.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
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