Domestic violence remains a problem on the Central Coast and across Australia. But support is available.
A problem too close to home
Your home should be a place of safety and comfort but, for many, it is a dangerous place.
Domestic violence is just one type of abuse that you may experience at home. In addition to physical and sexual violence, cohabitating partners (married or in a de facto relationship) may be subjected to emotional and economic abuse.
Statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), show that women experience higher rates of these abuses than men.
Results from the Personal Safety Survey (PSS) show that, from the age of 15, one in six women experienced physical or sexual violence, one in four women experienced emotional abuse, and one in six women experienced economic abuse, where a person’s access to economic resources is controlled or restricted by their partner.
Women are not only more likely to experience abuse at the hands of a partner, but on average one woman every nine days is killed by a current or former partner.
If you feel that your home is a dangerous place for you and your children, act today to find support.
Find support wherever you are in Australia
You can find support wherever you are in Australia.
If you feel you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). The police can offer immediate protection and initiate legal proceedings against your abuser.
Listed below are local, state and nationwide helplines and other services that can help.
Nationwide
Lifeline is a crisis support service that offers 24/7 crisis support via telephone counselling or online chat for individuals experiencing emotional distress, including domestic violence. Counsellors can offer referrals to appropriate support services.
24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
Call 1800 737 732
24/7 national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
24/7 helpline for anyone in Australia whose life has been impacted by domestic or family violence.
Call 1800 943 539
24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns.
Call 13 92 76
24/7 counselling for anyone from the LGBTIQ+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence.
Call 1800 497 212
NSW Support Services
24/7 domestic violence helpline for information, support and referrals to services near you.
Call 1800 656 463
24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, family or domestic violence and their non-offending supporters.
Call 1800 424 017
Provides a broad range of specialised services for young LBGTIQ+ people aged 12-25, including housing, counselling and social support
Call 02 8594 9555
Link2home is the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Call 1800 152 152
Provides information and contact details of a range of support services within NSW and across Australia.
The Domestic Violence Line provides 24/7 telephone counselling, information, and referrals to support services for victims of domestic violence. They offer safety planning, crisis support, and assistance with accessing emergency accommodation.
Call 1800 656 463
Women’s Legal Service NSW provides free legal advice and support for women facing domestic violence. They can assist with applying for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), child custody matters, and provide legal information tailored to the individual’s needs.
Call 02 8745 6999
1800 810 784 (rural)
Find support on the Central Coast
These are just some of the support services available on the Central Coast.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, reaching out to any of these organisations can be an important first step towards finding the support and safety you need to leave domestic violence behind.
Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (CCDVCAS)
CCDVCAS provides court support and assistance to women navigating the legal system due to domestic violence. They offer information about legal processes, help with obtaining Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), and provide emotional support throughout the court process.
Call 02 4334 3877
https://www.womenlifeline.org.au/domestic-violence-court-advocacy
Coast Shelter
Coast Shelter is a North Gosford organisation that provides crisis accommodation and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence situations. They offer safe and confidential accommodation, as well as counselling and support to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Call 02 4325 3540
https://www.coastshelter.org.au
We Care Connect
We Care Connect is a volunteer-powered local charity that supports many groups across the Central Coast and the Hunter Region that help kids in need. On their website, they provide an extensive list of the services available across the Central Coast and Hunter Region.
https://wecareconnect.org.au/need-help
Contact Seton Family Lawyers for support
With lawyers specialising in domestic violence cases, we’re dedicated to helping you find the support and resources you need to break free from domestic violence or an abusive relationship.
If you need a family lawyer on your side, contact Seton Family Lawyers. We can help with Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders, family law and criminal law matters.
