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WINTER EDITION 2026
A message from Susan Anderson
I’m pleased to share an update with our colleagues in the domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) community.
1800RESPECT update
It’s been a busy start to the year for 1800RESPECT with the service experiencing record contact volumes. As demand continues to grow across our four channels – call, text, online chat and video call, we remain committed to ensuring people affected by DFSV can access free, confidential support from our counsellors 24/7.
AusAlert emergency messages
Australia will soon begin testing its new national warning system, AusAlert, with selected communities receiving alerts in June before a national test on 27 July. Because the alerts will sound on mobile phone devices even when set to silent or 'do not disturb', people experiencing DFSV who rely on safety phones may need to plan ahead. 1800RESPECT counsellors are available 24/7 to support people to consider their options and identify what feels safest for their needs. More information and resources about the program are available on the AusAlert website.
Survey opportunity
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing relevant and meaningful information to the DFSV sector, we are seeking your feedback on our quarterly newsletter. We value your insights and would appreciate your input on the content, relevance and usefulness of this publication. You’re welcome to complete our short anonymous survey, which will help us identify any gaps and explore new ways to support knowledge sharing across the sector in future editions. Please complete the survey here, by 31 July.
Take care,
Susan Anderson
Head of 1800RESPECT
Conferences and Events
No to Violence Conference
In March, the 1800RESPECT team exhibited at the No to Violence Conference in Hobart, where discussions focused on the need for more connected and accessible responses to DFSV. Key themes included early intervention and technology-facilitated abuse, reinforcing the important role 1800RESPECT plays in providing timely support.
The Recovery and Healing: Striving Together Conference
In April, 1800RESPECT sponsored and exhibited at the Recovery and Healing Conference in Brisbane. People with lived experience, who shared their stories at the conference, reinforced the importance of accessible, trauma-informed support services like 1800RESPECT that acknowledge the diverse ways violence affects individuals and their families.
Campaigns
Drink Wise
1800RESPECT has continued working with DrinkWise, Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN to support a campaign for promoting respectful behaviour during the AFL and NRL Gather Round and State of Origin series. The Always Respect, Always DrinkWise campaign reminds fans about the importance of moderating alcohol use and showing respect towards family, friends and the wider community.
Resources
Pet abuse
New content on pet abuse has been added to the 1800RESPECT website outlining how pets can be impacted by DFSV. It includes information on safety planning and other supports available. To read more, visit the 1800RESPECT website.
Research and Reports
ANROWS: Inquiry into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence and suicide. An ANROWS submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.
Queensland Government: Safer Families, Safer Communities, A Domestic and Family Violence Reform Strategy for Queensland. The Strategy resets and reforms how DFSV is prevented and responded to, driving meaningful reform to create safer homes and communities.
ANROWS: An Introductory Guide to the Manosphere and the Impacts for Young People, Teachers and Schools. This guide is a resource for teachers and other school staff who work with young people in secondary schools. Its purpose is to help schools understand the harmful impacts of the manosphere, including the key beliefs and links to violence, how boys and young men are recruited into the manosphere and the role of social media.
Australian Journal of Social Issues: Examining the Impact of Domestic and Family Violence on Young Australians’ School-Level Education. This report uses survey responses from victim-survivors to explore whether schools are effectively recognising, responding to, and supporting students experiencing violence at home.
Media
Media Release, Minister Plibersek MP: The Australian Government has launched a consultation to shape the next phase of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.
ABC: Opinion - Australian schools can help prevent intergenerational violence, if we give them the support they need.
Future Women: The DV fact that shocked one of Australia’s most respected researchers. Domestic abuse is systematically stripping women of their higher education and future earnings.
RSN: DrinkWise joined forces with the South Australian Government and other organisations, as well as 1800RESPECT, No to Violence - Men’s Referral Service and 13YARN, to remind the community about the importance of moderating their alcohol consumption and showing respect for others during the matches.
For a copy of our tagline and contact details for media enquiries, please visit the News and Media section of our website.
Key dates
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services.
In an emergency, call 000.
Don't forget to follow us on social media and stay up-to-date!
