Covid-19 and Domestic and Family Violence

What is Domestic and Family Violence? (If you or someone you know is in danger or there is an immediate risk of harm, call 000)

Domestic and family violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to maintain power and control over the other person. People who experience these acts of abuse or violence often feel fearful and unsafe.

In relationships where domestic and family violence occurs, the abusive behaviours can include some or all of the following: physical, emotional, verbal, financial, social, sexual and image based abuse, spiritual or cultural abuse, staking, neglect and reproductive violence. Non-physical forms of abuse can be just as damaging as physical assaults. If you feel disrespected, unable to be yourself, afraid to disagree or negotiate for what you want, this may be a sign of abuse.

Responding to domestic and family violence during and beyond COVID-19

Domestic and family violence services are deemed “essential services” by all levels of Australian government during the COVID-19 crisis and continue to operate through this time. Most services have moved to significantly reduce face to face contact but have increased remote methods of working. Where it’s safe and appropriate to do so, services can continue to refer people to specialist services. International research tells us that violence against women increases during public health emergencies and evidence suggests increasing complexity of cases in NSW. As the NSW community continues to practice social distancing and self-isolation, it is probable that domestic and family violence will escalate.

• A guide for family and friends
• A guide for workplaces
• A guide for faith communities

Resources

• www.dvnsw.org.au
• coronavirus.dcj.nsw.gov.au/services/domestic-and-family-violence
  
• www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/domestic-family-violence
  
• Insight Exchange Update 12

Support options

• gunnedahfamilysupport.org.au/services/domestic-violence (6742 1515) - locally based service providing emotional and practical support, advocacy and assistance for those experience domestic and family violence
• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – support for any person affected by domestic and family violence
• NSW Domestic Violence Line(1800 65 64 63) – 24/7 7 days a week support for those experiencing domestic and family violence
• MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78) – support for men experiencing domestic and family violence
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – support for children affected by family violence
• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) - support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe
• NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) - professional help and advice for your mental health

Helping someone else stay safe

People may be at even greater risk of experiencing domestic and family violence at this time. Families are experiencing extra stress and usual support networks may not be available. There are practical things every member of the community can do to help.

• Check in - Physical distancing does not mean you cannot stay connected. Check in on the people in your life. You can call, text, message on social media or video call.
• Offer practical support - Ask the people in your life how you can help them during this time. Practical support can help ease family stress. You can drop groceries at their door or schedule a daily check in.
• Let people know help is available

The Disability Information Helpline

The Australian Government has funded a dedicated helpline – the Disability Information Helpline – to provide accessible information, counselling and outreach services for people with disability who are concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Helpline is free, private and fact-checked.

People can contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 to talk about their concerns in relation to COVID-19. For example, people can call the Helpline if their support worker has not turned up or their provider has stopped services; or if it’s hard to get essential items like food or medications.

The Helpline can provide information, and refer people to advocacy, counselling and other supports.

The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (AEST) and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm (AEST). It’s not available on national public holidays.

For more information, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.

Accessible information, including Easy Read and Auslan resources, are available at www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp.