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SUMMER EDITION
Message from Colleen Birchley
Head of 1800RESPECT
Warm greetings to our colleagues in the domestic, family and sexual violence community.
As we approach the end of what has been a significant and demanding year in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector, we find ourselves reflecting on the many pivotal moments that have shaped our journey in addressing this critical issue. Tragically, recent months have brought to our attention several reports of domestic violence-related deaths, serving as an important reminder of the importance of what we do. It is essential that we pause and never forget the lives lost, continuing our dedication to supporting those affected by domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia. Our commitment to the Principles outlined in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is strengthened, and we’ll continue to progress our work to ensure those who need support, can access support.
Texting 1800RESPECT
Accessibility is fundamental to any support service, which is why we are proud to introduce SMS as a new 1800RESPECT service channel.
On Friday 8 December 2023, Minister for Social Services the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon Justine Elliot MP announced that anyone affected by domestic, family and sexual violence can now contact 1800RESPECT via text message (0458 737 732), ensuring those in unsafe situations who can't access telephone or online chat can still get help.
1800RESPECT has been working behind the scenes to implement SMS taking into consideration accessibility, inclusivity and the safety of individuals who contact the service. Learn more via our website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via our website or text 0458 737 732.
1800RESPECT featured on Telstra payphones
More than 14,500 payphones Australia-wide will feature stickers promoting phone numbers and services provided by national helplines, giving people a quick and easy way to connect with support when they need it.
This joint initiative between 1800RESPECT and Telstra was announced on 15 November 2023 by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon Justine Elliot MP.
Six national support services have been chosen to be featured, collectively serving the needs of a diverse range of people within our communities including: 1800RESPECT, Lifeline, 13YARN, Kids Helpline, MensLine Australia and National Debt Helpline.
1800RESPECT Garbage Truck Launch
1800RESPECT has partnered with Blacktown City Council in NSW, in an innovative initiative where garbage trucks are used to promote social change.
On 22 November 2023, Minister for Social Services the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence the Hon Justine Elliot MP and Blacktown City's Deputy Mayor Chris Quilkey launched the 1800RESPECT garbage truck wrapped with the message, ‘Violence and abuse is never ok. 1800RESPECT can help’.
Conferences
The conference season saw the 1800RESPECT team attend key events across the country. 1800RESPECT sponsored the Australian Counselling Conference, Indigenous Wellbeing Conference, and the STOP Domestic Violence Conference. This was an important opportunity to spread awareness of the 1800RESPECT service and learn how we can better support those affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence ran from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December, (Human Rights Day). This significant international campaign recognised the purpose of our work at 1800RESPECT and provided an opportunity to have important conversations in the sector more broadly.
Until next year, take care.
Colleen Birchley
Head of 1800RESPECT
Research and reports
National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family Domestic Violence| Attorney-General's Department: The Australian Government has collaborated with all state and territory governments to develop the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence (the National Principles). The National Principles create a shared national understanding of coercive control, which is important for improving the safety of Australians, particularly women and children.
Final Report | Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability: The Royal Commission has made 222 recommendations on how to improve laws, policies, structures and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Specialist Approaches to Managing Sexual Assault Proceedings: An Integrative Review: The review addresses two principal concerns – systemic barriers to reporting sexual violence, and the re-traumatisation experienced when engaging with the criminal justice system. It identifies and evaluates the specialist measures designed to address these concerns in sexual offences courts/lists, and in three comparative domains: child sexual offences courts/lists, DFV courts/lists and specialist prosecution units.
Intimate partner violence among Australian 18–19 year olds | Australian Institute of Family Studies: This snapshot examines risk and protective factors for intimate partner violence victimisation among Australian adolescents. This helps policy makers and service providers to identify populations that could be at increased risk, so that protective factors can be strengthened. Although the current snapshot focuses on victim-survivors, the report emphasises that prevention of intimate partner violence perpetration should be a core focus of policy intervention.
Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutational Settings: On 15 March 2021, the Commission of Inquiry was established by an Order of the Governor of Tasmania. On 31 August 2023, Commissioners submitted the Commission of Inquiry's report to the Governor of Tasmania.
Wellbeing and self-care
For individuals: Wellbeing is about how you think and feel about yourself, your relationships, and your life. Some people prefer to talk about it in terms of mental health, mood or emotional state. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may use the term social and emotional wellbeing, or talk about feeling strong in mind, body and spirit.
The Head to Health website has some tips for maintaining your wellbeing:
Be active
Eat well
Connect with others
Take time out to do things you enjoy
Get involved
Manage your sense of security
Reach out for help when you need it.
For more information visit HeadtoHealth.
For professionals: Working with people who have experienced violence and trauma is extremely demanding work. Being aware of the potential impact of this work on your own wellbeing and taking steps to minimise the negative impacts are important strategies of self-care.
The 1800RESPECT website includes information on things you can do to help yourself:
Limit your work hours to no more than eight to ten hours a day
Go for a walk to clear your head
Maintain a good diet
Stay connected to family and friends
Talk about your emotions with your supervisor or trusted colleague
Meditate or enjoy other mindfulness activities.
For more information visit the 1800RESPECT website.
Media
ABC News: National domestic violence phone service introduces 'discreet' text messaging option.
News.com.au: More than 14,500 payphones Australia-wide will feature stickers promoting phone numbers and services provided by the helplines, including 1800RESPECT giving people a quick and easy way to connect with support when they need it.
The Conversation: Seven red flags your teen might be in an abusive relationship – and six signs it’s escalating.
Media Release: The Australian Government is investing $15 million in First Nations-led research on domestic and family violence, as part of our concrete action towards ending violence against women and children within a generation.
SBS News: Does Australia need dedicated sexual assault courts?
ABC: What does gaslighting mean and is overuse of the term trivialising it?
ABC News: Domestic violence inquiry resumes in Darwin as coroner examines killings of four Aboriginal women.
ABC News: Causes of domestic violence 'compounded' in the Northern Territory, coroner hears.
The Conversation: Kids escaping family violence can be vulnerable to intimate partner abuse. We must break the vicious cycle.
ABC News: Listen to how FIFO lawyers are filling the gaps for rural victims of domestic violence.
ABC News: Accused rapists in Queensland can be named by the media before they go to trial. Here's what's changing.
ABC: The NT Government has proposed new domestic and family violence legislation to be 'tightened' to reduce misidentification of perpetrators and include coercive control.
ABC: Domestic violence a 'pandemic of hatred', says helpline case worker taking about 11 calls a day.
If you are writing a news article, blog, podcast or television episode on domestic, family or sexual violence, please use the 1800RESPECT tagline. Reading about violence and abuse can be triggering. Including our tagline in your piece allows those who are impacted by media coverage to know immediately who they can reach out to for support.
For a copy of our tagline and contact details for media enquiries, please visit the News and Media section of our website.
Conferences and key dates
Useful resources
DV-alert training, delivered by Lifeline since 2007, is a nationally accredited training program to build the knowledge and capability of frontline workers to recognise domestic and family violence, respond with care, and refer to appropriate services. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, DV-alert training is available in face-to-face workshops, virtual workshops and eLearning courses. Go to dvalert.org.au, attend a workshop, and be empowered to act.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner delivers a range of free webinars as professional development for frontline, specialist and support staff in the domestic violence and disability sector across Australia. Topics include ‘Technology-facilitated abuse in domestic and family violence situations’ and 'Supporting children and young people – technology-facilitated abuse in domestic and family violence situations'. Register on the eSafety website.
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