Domestic Violence is a serious issue in our society and in our churches. Australian Police deal with domestic violence every two minutes. Church communities are not immune from domestic violence. Abuse and violence has no place amongst Christians and God is opposed to abuse in marriage, yet domestic violence occurs within Christian marriages.
The Presbyterian Church in NSW has made this statement against Domestic Violence.
The tip sheets below have been prepared to resource you on how to recognise and respond to domestic violence.
If you are a victim or know someone you suspect may be experiencing domestic violence please contact the Conduct Protocol Unit on 02 9690 9325 for advice and support.
Is It Abuse? A Biblical Guide to Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping Victims by Darby Strickland
Book Review – Not Under Bondage by B. Roberts
PCNSW Domestic Violence Statement July 2023
SAFER: A Domestic Violence Resource – Helping Australian churches understand, identify and respond to domestic and family violence.
NATIONAL SERVICES
Police – Triple Zero – 000 (if there is immediate danger) or 131 444 (in NSW) (non-urgent)
A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
1800RESPECT: National Sexual Assault, Domestic & Family Violence Counselling Service – 1800 737 732
Provides confidential service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, sexual assault, domestic or family violence, their friends and family and supporting workers and professionals.
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Provides free telephone and online counselling services for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.
No to Violence: Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
Provides information, referral and support for male perpetrators, male victims and for their relatives and friends.
NEW SOUTH WALES
NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463
Provides 24 hour a day, 7 day a week support and referrals for victims of domestic violence.
NSW Child Protection Hotline – 132 111
A 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, call centre staffed by professionally qualified caseworkers to receive and screen reports about suspected abuse or neglect of a child or young person or those at risk of harm from abuse or neglect.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service – 02 6280 0900
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides all people affected by domestic violence within the ACT with crisis support, including crisis counselling, safety planning, referrals, support groups, assistance with emergency accommodation, court outcomes for family violence matters, assistance applying for a Domestic Violence Order and support for children and their families.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
WA Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800 007 339
A 24 hour service providing support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence. This includes phone counselling, advice, referral to local services, liaison with police if necessary and support in escaping DFV situations. The service can refer women to safe accommodation and also offers interpreting services.
WA Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline – 1800 000 599
Provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
WA Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
Provides relationship support services for individuals and families, including domestic violence support, counselling, resources and information.
TASMANIA
TAS Family Violence Counselling and Support Services – 1800 608 122
Department of Communities Tasmania FVCSS offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence. Operates 9am-midnight on weekdays and 4pm-midnight on weekends.
TAS Safe at Home – Family Violence Response and Referral Line – 1800 633 937
Safe at Home is Tasmania’s integrated criminal justice response to family violence that offers support and information. The Response and Referral Line operates 24/7.