Where to get help – support services
There are crisis support, sexual assault and survivor and victim information and advocacy services that can support you in each state and territory.
If as well as support, you would like to find information about raising a concern or making a complaint, you can find information about how to do so here.
You can also read about and find links to the National Redress Scheme here.
If you are feeling suicidal or unsafe:
Call LIFELINE on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 69 467 (they also have online chat) for immediate help. They are open 24/7.
If you believe someone you know is suicidal or in danger:
Call 000 for the ambulance or the police. Stay calm, explain the situation, give the address and directions while supporting and protecting the person who is in danger.
If you need to report a concern:
If you are in danger, call the police on 000.
If you believe that a child or vulnerable person is in immediate danger, call the police on 000.
If you have a reasonable belief that a child or adult at risk has suffered or is at risk of suffering harm, you should make a report to the government reporting authority in your state or territory.
A reasonable belief means that your concerns are well founded based on the information you know or have from a reliable source, this means you do not need to be absolutely certain that harm has or will occur before making a report.
Crisis Lines
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Website
- Lifeline 13 11 14 Website
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Website
- 1800 Respect – sexual assault and family violence support and advice 1800 737 732 Website
Elder Abuse
Disability Abuse and Neglect
- National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 Website
Government
- Human Rights Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 656 419 Website
Sexual assault services
- Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) Website
Support lines and services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Beyond Blue – support for anxiety and depression 1300 224 636 Website
- Blue Knot Foundation – counselling and support for survivors 1300 657 380 Website
- Bravehearts Inc – counselling and support for survivors, child protection advocacy 1800 272 831 Website
- Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) – support and advocacy for Forgotten Australians 1800 008 774 Website
- Child Migrants Trust – social work services for former Child Migrants, including counselling and support for family reunions 1800 040 509 Website
- Child Wise – trauma-informed telephone and online counselling for childhood abuse 1800 991 099 Website
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia 1800 222 660 Website
- Headspace – support for young people experiencing mental health issues 1800 650 890 Website
- Healing Foundation – service to help build up the capacity of Indigenous organisations and support the development of the Link Up network Website
- In Good Faith Foundation – advocacy, casework, referral and support to aid recovery for victims, their families and communities responding to clergy, religious and lay abuse 03 9940 1533 Website
- Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 Website
- On the Line Australia – national telephone and online support, information and referral for men with family and relationship concerns 1300 789 978 Website
- People with Disability Australia – national telephone line to provide information and referrals to people with disabilities 1800 422 015 TTY: 1800 422 016 Website
- Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia – 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault 1800 211 028 Website
National Redress Scheme
Bravehearts is a Redress Support Service provider. Bravehearts offers free and confidential support to anyone considering applying to the National Redress Scheme. Bravehearts can provide more information about the Scheme and who can apply. They can also help fill out the form and support you throughout the process 1800 272 831 Website
Crisis Lines
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 Website
- Lifeline 13 11 14 Website
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 Website
- 1800 Respect – sexual assault and family violence support and advice 1800 737 732 Website
Elder Abuse
Disability Abuse and Neglect
- National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 Website
Government
- Human Rights Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 656 419 Website
Sexual assault services
- Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence National Help Line 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) Website
Support lines and services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Beyond Blue – support for anxiety and depression 1300 224 636 Website
- Blue Knot Foundation – counselling and support for survivors 1300 657 380 Website
- Bravehearts Inc – counselling and support for survivors, child protection advocacy 1800 272 831 Website
- Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) – support and advocacy for Forgotten Australians 1800 008 774 Website
- Child Migrants Trust – social work services for former Child Migrants, including counselling and support for family reunions 1800 040 509 Website
- Child Wise – trauma-informed telephone and online counselling for childhood abuse 1800 991 099 Website
- Children and Young People with Disability Australia 1800 222 660 Website
- Headspace – support for young people experiencing mental health issues 1800 650 890 Website
- Healing Foundation – service to help build up the capacity of Indigenous organisations and support the development of the Link Up network Website
- In Good Faith Foundation – advocacy, casework, referral and support to aid recovery for victims, their families and communities responding to clergy, religious and lay abuse 03 9940 1533 Website
- Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 Website
- On the Line Australia – national telephone and online support, information and referral for men with family and relationship concerns 1300 789 978 Website
- People with Disability Australia – national telephone line to provide information and referrals to people with disabilities 1800 422 015 TTY: 1800 422 016 Website
- Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia – 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling service for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault 1800 211 028 Website
Child Protection
- Department of Communities and Justice (formerly Department of Family and Community Services) NSW (24 hours) 13 21 11 Website
Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221 Website
Mental Health
- Mental Health Commission 1300 884 563 Website
Disability Abuse and Neglect
- National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1800 880 052 Website
Police Contact
- NSW Police Sexual Assault Reporting Options (SARO) Website
Sexual Assault Services
- NSW Rape Crisis Centre 02 9819 6565or 1800 424 017 (outside Sydney) Website
- Domestic Violence Line, Department of Community Services 1800 656 463(24 hours) Website
- Bravehearts NSW 1800 272 831 Website
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Interrelate Family Centres – counselling services across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW 1300 473 528 Website
- Link Up NSW – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 1800 624 332 Website
- Relationships Australia NSW – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1300 364 277 Website
- The Womens Cottage – community based support and resource centre, run by women, for women and children 02 4578 4190 Website
- Wattle Place – counselling and support for Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants, their families and carers 1800 161 109 Website
Child Protection
- Territory Families Child Protection Hotline (24 hours) 1800 700 250 Website
Mental Health
- Mental Health Line 1800 682 288 Website
Police Contact
- NT Police Sex Crimes Division 08 8922 3617 Website
Sexual Assault Services
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) Website
- Alice Springs: 08 8955 4500 / after hours 0401 114 181
Darwin: 08 8922 6472
Katherine: 08 8973 8524
Tennant Creek: 08 8962 4361
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
Child Protection
- Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women 1800 811 810 or 1800 177 135 (After hours) Website
Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse Prevention Hotline 1300 651 192 Website
Mental Health
- Mental Health Commission 1300 855 945 Website
Police Contact
Sexual Assault Services
- Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivors Support Centre 07 3391 0004 Website
- Bravehearts 1800 Brave 1(1800 272 831) Website
- Statewide Sexual Assault Help Line 1800 010 120 Website
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Centre Against Sexual Violence – sexual assault support, education and information for Logan, Beenleigh and Beaudesert 07 3808 3299 Website
- Link Up Queensland – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 1800 200 855 Website
- Living Well – counselling and support services 1300 114 397 Website
- Lotus Place – counselling and support for Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants, their families and carers 07 3347 8500 Website
- Relationships Australia Qld – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1300 364 277 Website
Child Protection
- Department of Child Protection Child Abuse Report Line 13 14 78 Website
Elder Abuse
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service Alliance for the Prevention of Elder Abuse 1800 005 131 Website
Mental Health
- Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner 1800 232 007 Website
Police Contact
- SA Police Sexual Crime Investigations08 8172 5555 (business hours only) Website
Sexual Assault Services
- Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault ServiceFreecall 1800 817 421 Website
After hours and emergency: 1800 817 421
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Elm Place – counselling and support for Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants, their families and carers 1800 161 109 Website
- Nunkuwarrin Yunti of SA Inc – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 08 8406 1600 Website
- Relationships Australia SA – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1800 182 325 or 1300 364 277 Website
- Victim Support Service Inc – support to adult victims of crime, witnesses, their family and friends across South Australia 1800 842 846 Website
Child Protection
- Children and Youth Services 1300 737 639(24 Hours) or 1800 000 123 (advice and referral line) Website
Elder Abuse
- Elder Abuse Helpline 1800 441 169 Website
Mental Health
- Mental Health Services Helpline 1800 332 388 Website
Police Contact
- Tasmania Police Contact Website
Sexual Assault Services
- Laurel House Launceston Ph: 03 6334 2740After hours: 1800 697 877 Website
- Laurel House North West Ph: 03 6431 9711After hours: 1800 697 877 Website
- Sexual Assault Support Service Inc – Statewide 24 hour crisis line – 1800 697 877(1800 MYSUPPORT) Website
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Relationships Australia Tas – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1300 364 277 Website
Child Protection
- Child Protection Victoria Website
Eastern 1300 360 391
Northern 1300 664 977
Southern 1300 655 795
Western 1800 075 599
Western Metro Only 1300 664 977
After hours 13 12 78
Disability Abuse and Neglect
- Disability Services Commissioner 1800 677 342 Website
Elder Abuse
- Aged Care Complaints Commission 1800 951 822 Website
Mental Health
- Health Complaints Commission 1800 246 054 Website
Police Contact
- Local Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) locations and phone numbers Website
Sexual Assault Services
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line Website
Crisis Line: 1800 806 292(free call)
Administration: 03 8345 3021
Email: ahcasa@thewomens.org.au - CASA Forum – Lists Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault Website
- Bravehearts Victoria1800 272 831 Website or
Shepparton Education Team Ph: 03 5831 2797
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Drummond Street Services – support and recovery for individuals, families, couples, young people and children 03 9663 6733 Website
- Open Place – counselling and support for Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants, their families and carers 1800 779 379 Website
- Link Up Victoria – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 1800 687 662 Website
- Relationships Australia Vic – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1800 052 674 or 1300 364 277 Website
Child Protection
- Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support (08) 9223 1111 (Crisis Care Unit) or 1800 199 008 (country free call) Website
- Mental Health Commission WA 1300 555 788 (Metro) 1800 676 822 (Rural) Website
Elder Abuse
- Advocare Inc 1300 724 679(Perth) 1800 655 566 (Rural) Website
Police Contact
- WA Police Sexual Assault Squad 08 9428 1600 Email: SexAssaultSquadSMAIL@police.wa.gov.au Website
Sexual Assault Services
- Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) Website
Crisis 24 hour: 08 6458 1828 Country areas (free call from landline): 1800 199 888 - Waratah Support Centre (Bunbury) 1800 737 732 Website
Support Services
Some Catholic Social Services provide specialised counselling and support to victims/survivors and their families. Contact Catholic Social Services Australia to find the service near you: 02 6285 1366 Website
- Anglicare WA – supports individuals, families and their communities to cope with the challenges of life by building their resilience and capacity 1300 114 446 Website
- Centacare Family Services Geraldton – offers family relationship and community services, including counselling services for victims of abuse (08) 99 211 433 Website
- Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 1800 830 338 Website
- Relationships Australia WA – family, relationship and specialist counselling services 1300 364 277 Website
- Tuart Place – counselling and support for Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants, their families and carers 1800 619 795 Website
- Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation – counselling, healing and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous Australians 1800 469 371 Website