Experiencing domestic violence, but can’t afford a lawyer?
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, there are many services that can assist you. This article sets out resources that you, a friend, a colleague, or a family member may find useful.
Seeking Assistance
A person who is experiencing family violence may be terrified of seeking help, particularly when they are fearful of their perpetrator’s reaction. Importantly, the services outlined in this article are experienced in working with survivors of domestic and family violence and can be discreet. There are many organisations and resources to assist you, or that friend, colleague, or family member seeking help. Importantly, many of these services are still available if you are experiencing financial difficulty.
What is Domestic and Family Violence?
Domestic and family violence is a broad term that describes a range of violence perpetuated against a person. Including physical, sexual, financial, emotional, and coercive or controlling behaviours.
Domestic and family violence is much more common than you may think. In fact, 1 in 6 women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner. 25 % of women have experienced emotional abuse from a current or previous partner. 1 in 16 men has experienced physical or sexual violence from a cohabiting partner.
Many people do not realise that they are or were in relationships that qualify as one of these statistics. Family violence may occur gradually, and the victimised party may not realise that they are experiencing family violence.
Below we set out resources ranging from emotional support to legal support that we hope you may find helpful in beginning your research. Researching and reaching out to any of the listed organisations is an incredibly brave first step and we wish you the best of luck and hope the resources help you. We do recommend seeking legal help, to better understand your circumstances, but many of the resources below can be accessed regardless of your financial situation.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
1800 RESPECT – (1800 737 732)
We would recommend that this is your first port of call.
They offer telephone and online counselling and provide a wealth of support for people escaping or experiencing violence or sexual assault.
This includes information on safety planning, support for friends of victims, understanding violence and the law, technology and safety, down to escape bag checklists.
Furthermore, they can put you in touch with services IN YOUR AREA that can help you, including pro bono legal services, crisis and support agencies, women’s shelters, and counselling to name a few. They have an EXIT button for discretion
Lifeline – 131 114
Lifeline provides compassionate support for people in crisis. No judgement. No conditions. No agenda. Just a human to help people get through their darkest moments. They offer excellent resources around DV and family violence, including a domestic violence toolkit, advice on how to leave a violent relationship and info on how to get help.
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/domestic-and-family-violence/
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 in Australia.
Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
Support groups and counselling on relationships, and for abusive and abused partners.
Relationships Australia
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
In October 2021, the Government introduced a crisis payment for extreme circumstances of family and domestic violence.
This page of the Department of Social Services provides current information on what options are available to help you financially, including the no-interest loan scheme for women experiencing domestic violence, grants for emergency relief, and support payments through Uniting Care
https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/7676
In NSW the “Staying home, leaving violence” program aims to prevent victims and their children trying to escape violence from becoming homeless by removing the perpetrator from the family home.
LEGAL SUPPORT
You may be eligible to apply for legal aid. This is the best place to start to find out whether you meet the criteria. They have a specialised Domestic Violence unit
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/family-law/domestic-violence-unit
They recommend getting legal advice before you apply so you can contact them directly via phone on 1300 888
If you have applied for legal aid but have been rejected, some options may be available to you through community lawyers.
Victoria
The Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria can connect you with the local legal centres that can help you.
https://www.fclc.org.au/familyviolence #statewide
NSW
Women’s Legal Service NSW has a free confidential helpline that provides information, legal advice and referrals for women in NSW with a focus on family law, domestic violence, parenting issues and sexual assault.
https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/contact-us/#dvline
Australia wide
Community Legal Centres Australia also provides support to more than 170 legal centres Australiawide.
Many centres provide general legal assistance in a range of areas of law to people in their local community. This includes family and domestic violence.
There are Pro bono referral schemes and organisations you can contact, however, these are usually the last resort and only considered once an attempt at Legal Aid and Community Legal Centres has been exhausted. You can learn more about these here.
Pro Bono Referral Schemes & Organisations
Respect Family Law – 1300 697 377
We are happy to do a free 15-minute consult even if you don’t have the financial means to retain us. Speaking to a lawyer can give you some clarity and direction. This can be booked via phone or our website.
GETTING OUT
The following services can help you form a safety plan, provide shelter or help you right now if you need to get out.
Australia wide
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers refuge, children and parenting services, counselling, support and accommodation to women and children who have experienced or are experiencing family violence.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/family-and-domestic-violence/
VICTORIA
Safe steps crisis line – 1800 015 188
Safe steps provide specialist support for anyone in Victoria experiencing domestic or family violence.
Orange Door – 1800 319 355
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/what-is-the-orange-door
They also provide practical information about safety such as how to clear your browser if you are concerned about your safety at home.
https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/clear-your-browser-history
They have a wealth of information and resources and can you help you form a safety plan, and have a 24/7 crisis line.
We hope you have found this information helpful.
Please keep an eye on our socials for more information and resources that can assist you.
Still have questions – contact the team at Respect legal to find out more
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About Respect Legal
Respect Legal is here to disrupt traditional ways of practicing family law through our respectful approach to dispute resolution. We focus on outcomes that strengthen families, rather than tear them apart.
Our team of highly skilled lawyers are leaders in their field who provide expert advice and guidance through complex legal processes so you can achieve an outcome that works best for you and your family.
