🆘 Domestic Violence Escape Plan: Complete Safety Guide for Australia 2025

🚨 If you're in immediate danger, call 000 now. If you can't speak safely, stay on the line - they'll send help.

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📞 IMMEDIATE HELP NUMBERS - SAVE THESE NOW

24/7 Emergency Support

• 000 - Police, Ambulance (immediate danger)
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 - 24/7 domestic violence support
• Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 (NSW)
• Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 - Support for male victims

Text Support (If You Can't Call Safely)

• Text 0458 166 166 (1800RESPECT text service)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741

🛡️ SAFETY PLANNING: YOUR ESCAPE PLAN

Phase 1: Preparing While Still at Home

1. Create a Safety Code with Trusted People

• Choose a code word that means "call police immediately"
• Share with family, friends, neighbours, coworkers
• Example: "How's your mother's garden?" = send help now
• Have different codes for different levels of danger

2. Important Documents to Prepare

Keep copies in a safe place (friend's house, work locker, bank deposit box):

For You:

• Driver's licence or passport
• Medicare card
• Birth certificate
• Bank cards and statements
• Centrelink card/paperwork
• Any visas or citizenship documents
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Insurance policies
• Will and power of attorney
• Rental agreement or mortgage documents

For Children:

• Birth certificates
• Medicare cards
• School records
• Immunisation records
• Any court orders about custody
• Photos of children (recent)

Financial:

• Bank account details
• Superannuation details
• Tax returns
• Income statements
• Asset documentation

3. Emergency Money Plan

• Open a bank account at a different bank
• Save small amounts of cash when possible
• Ask trusted friends/family to hold money for you
• Know your Centrelink entitlements
• Research emergency financial relief options

4. Emergency Bag (Hide at Work/Friend's House)

Essential Items:

• Change of clothes for you and children
• Toiletries and medications
• Mobile phone and charger
• Cash and bank cards
• Copies of important documents
• Children's comfort items (small toy, blanket)
• Keys (car, house, work)
• Contact list of support services

Phase 2: When You Need to Leave Immediately

1. If Violence is Escalating

• Call 000 if safe to do so
• Get yourself and children to safety first
• Don't worry about belongings - they can be replaced
• Go to police station, hospital, or fire station
• Call 1800RESPECT for immediate support

2. Safe Places to Go

Immediate Options:

• Police station (open 24/7)
• Hospital emergency department
• Fire station
• Women's refuge or shelter
• Trusted friend or family member
• Motel (if you have money)

Important: Don't go anywhere the abuser might look for you first.

🏠 EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION BY STATE

NSW

Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

• Phone: 1800 810 784
• Refuges: Available across NSW
• Emergency Accommodation: Through Link2home 1800 152 152

Services Available:

• Crisis accommodation up to 12 weeks
• Support with Centrelink applications
• Legal advocacy
• Children's programs

VIC

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

• Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
• Crisis Accommodation: Immediate placement available
• Men's Support: 1800 065 973

What You Get:

• Secure accommodation
• Safety planning support
• Financial assistance applications
• Court support

QLD

DV Connect

• Women's Line: 1800 811 811
• Men's Line: 1800 600 636
• Emergency Accommodation: Available statewide

Housing Support:

• Crisis housing up to 6 months
• Help finding permanent housing
• Bond assistance
• Utility connections

WA

Women's Council Domestic Violence Helpline

• Phone: 9420 7264 (24/7)
• Crisis Care: 9223 1111
• Men's Support: 9272 1488

Accommodation Services:

• Refuge accommodation
• Transitional housing
• Support with rental applications

SA

Domestic Violence Crisis Line

• Phone: 1800 800 098 (24/7)
• Women's Safety Services SA: 1300 782 200

Housing Options:

• Crisis accommodation
• Medium-term housing
• Private rental support
• Public housing priority listing

TAS

Family Violence Counselling & Support Service

• North: 1800 608 122
• South: 1800 633 937

Accommodation:

• Crisis refuges
• Safe houses
• Transitional housing programs

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

• Phone: 6280 0900 (24/7)
• Crisis Accommodation: Available

NT

Dawn House Domestic Violence Service

• Darwin: 8945 1388
• Alice Springs: 8951 4251
• Crisis Line: 1800 737 732

⚖️ LEGAL PROTECTION: RESTRAINING ORDERS

How to Get Protection Orders

1. Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs)

What They Do:

• Stop the abuser from contacting or approaching you
• Remove them from shared homes
• Prevent them from coming to your work/children's school
• Stop them from damaging your property

How to Apply:

1. At Court: Go to your local Magistrates Court
2. Through Police: They can apply on your behalf
3. Online: Some states have online applications
4. Through Lawyer: Legal aid can help

2. What Evidence Helps

• Photos of injuries
• Medical reports
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Threatening text messages/emails
• Audio recordings (check state laws)

3. Emergency Orders (Available 24/7)

• Can be granted immediately by magistrate
• Police can help you get emergency orders
• Don't need the abuser to be present
• Valid until court hearing (usually within 28 days)

Legal Aid Support by State

NSW Legal Aid: 1300 888 529
Victoria Legal Aid: 9269 0120
Legal Aid QLD: 1300 651 188
Legal Aid WA: 1300 650 579
Legal Services SA: 1300 366 424
Legal Aid TAS: 1300 366 611
Legal Aid ACT: 1300 654 314
NT Legal Aid: 1800 019 343

👶 PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN

Child Safety During Domestic Violence

1. Safety Planning for Children

• Teach them to call 000 in emergencies
• Identify safe rooms in the house
• Plan where children should go if violence starts
• Have a code word that means "get help"
• Keep emergency contact list for children

2. School Safety

• Inform school about protection orders
• Provide photo of abuser to school
• Authorise only specific people to collect children
• Ask school not to give out your contact details
• Consider changing schools if necessary

3. Child Support and Family Court

Family Court Orders:

• Can prevent abuser from seeing children unsupervised
• Can order supervised visits only
• Can relocate with children (with court approval)

Child Support:

• You can get child support even with restraining orders
• Apply through Services Australia
• May be collected differently for safety reasons

Children's Support Services

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (free counselling for children)
Child Protection Services: Each state has 24/7 reporting lines
Family Relationship Centres: 1800 050 321

💰 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Centrelink Crisis Payments

1. Crisis Payment for Domestic Violence

You May Be Eligible If:

• You've left your home due to domestic violence
• You're in severe financial hardship
• You meet residency requirements

How Much:

• Usually 1 week's worth of your normal payment
• Can be paid while waiting for other payments to start

How to Apply:

1. Call Centrelink: 132 717
2. Apply online at myGov.gov.au
3. Visit Centrelink office with supporting evidence

Evidence Needed:

• Police report
• Medical certificate
• Statutory declaration
• Court documents
• Letter from refuge/support service

2. Other Centrelink Support

• Family Tax Benefit: If you have children
• Rent Assistance: Help with rental costs
• JobSeeker Payment: If unemployed
• Parenting Payment: If single parent
• Emergency Advance: Loan against future payments

Emergency Relief Services

Immediate Financial Help

Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

• Food vouchers
• Clothing
• Household items
• Utility bill assistance

St Vincent de Paul Society

• Emergency relief
• Furniture packages
• Bill assistance
• Back-to-school supplies

Red Cross: Emergency assistance programs

State Emergency Relief

NSW: Community Services Emergency Relief
VIC: Emergency Relief Victoria
QLD: Emergency Relief Services
WA: Financial Counselling & Emergency Relief
SA: Emergency Relief Association
TAS: Anglicare Emergency Relief
ACT: ACT Emergency Relief Network
NT: Territory Families Emergency Relief

Banking and Financial Security

1. Protecting Your Finances

• Change all passwords and PINs
• Cancel shared credit cards
• Open new bank accounts at different banks
• Redirect your mail to safe address
• Cancel any automatic payments to shared accounts

2. Financial Counselling

National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

• Free financial counselling
• Help with debts and budgeting
• Assistance with bankruptcy if needed

🏥 HEALTH AND MEDICAL SUPPORT

Medical Documentation

1. Documenting Injuries

When Visiting Doctor/Hospital:

• Ask for detailed medical records
• Request photos of injuries be included
• Get copies of all reports
• Ask doctor to note if injuries consistent with domestic violence

Important: Even if you don't want to report to police now, medical records can be crucial evidence later.

2. Mental Health Support

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline: 13 11 14
SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263

Mental Health Care Plans:

• Ask GP for mental health care plan
• Provides subsidised psychology sessions
• Can get immediate referrals in crisis

Women's Health Services

Women's Health Centres (each capital city)

• Specialist domestic violence counsellors
• Medical services
• Mental health support
• Legal referrals

👥 ONGOING SUPPORT SERVICES

Specialist Domestic Violence Services

1. Women's Legal Services

National: Available in each state

• Free legal advice
• Court support
• Family law assistance
• Immigration support for overseas-born women

2. Multicultural Support

Immigrant Women's Support Service

• Culturally appropriate support
• Interpreters available
• Understanding of visa implications
• Support for women with limited English

Aboriginal Family Violence Services

• Culturally appropriate services
• Family violence prevention programs
• Healing programs

3. LGBTI+ Support

ACON: 9206 2000 (NSW)
Thorne Harbour Health: 9865 6700 (VIC)
QLife: 1800 184 527 (National)

Counselling and Recovery Support

1. Trauma Counselling

• EMDR therapy for trauma
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Group therapy programs
• Family therapy if appropriate

2. Parenting Support

• Programs for children affected by domestic violence
• Parenting after domestic violence courses
• Family support workers

3. Practical Support

• Driving lessons (many services provide free lessons)
• Job search assistance
• Computer skills training
• English classes if needed

📱 TECHNOLOGY SAFETY

Phone and Internet Safety

1. Secure Communication

• Change all passwords
• Set up new email address
• Use private browsing/incognito mode
• Clear browser history
• Turn off location sharing

2. Mobile Phone Safety

• Check for tracking apps
• Consider getting new phone/number
• Don't use shared accounts (Apple ID, Google)
• Be careful with social media
• Turn off location services

3. Safe Online Research

• Use library or friend's computer
• Use private browsing
• Clear search history
• Have cover story ready if questioned

Safety Apps

Emergency Plus: Helps emergency services find you
bSafe: Personal alarm with emergency contacts
Hollie Guard: Records and sends evidence to contacts

🏃‍♀️ LEAVING SAFELY: STEP-BY-STEP

The Day You Leave

1. Choose the Right Time

• When abuser is at work or away
• When children are at school (if taking them)
• When you have transportation arranged
• When your support person is available

2. Quick Exit Checklist

• ✅ Emergency bag (pre-packed at safe location)
• ✅ Important documents (copies)
• ✅ Cash and cards
• ✅ Phone charger
• ✅ Children (if safe to take them)
• ✅ Pets (if possible)
• ✅ Medication

3. First 24 Hours

1. Get to safe location
2. Call support services
3. Apply for protection order
4. Contact Centrelink
5. Inform children's school
6. See doctor if injured
7. Contact bank about finances

After You've Left

1. First Week

• ✅ Meet with domestic violence counsellor
• ✅ Apply for crisis accommodation
• ✅ Register for Centrelink benefits
• ✅ Find legal representation
• ✅ Enrol children in new school if needed
• ✅ Register with local GP
• ✅ Apply for emergency relief

2. First Month

• ✅ Attend all court hearings
• ✅ Look for medium-term housing
• ✅ Start trauma counselling
• ✅ Apply for jobs if able
• ✅ Connect with support groups
• ✅ Establish new routines

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time

• Risk of violence increases when leaving
• Plan carefully and get professional help
• Don't leave alone if possible
• Trust your instincts about timing

Technology Risks

• Abusers may track phones and computers
• Be careful about social media posts
• Don't share your location online
• Consider changing all passwords

Financial Abuse Recovery

• Rebuilding credit can take time
• Joint debts may still be your responsibility
• Keep records of all expenses related to leaving
• Some debts caused by financial abuse may be disputed

🤝 SUPPORTING SOMEONE LEAVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

How to Help a Friend or Family Member

1. Believe and Support

• Believe their story
• Don't judge their choices
• Let them make their own decisions
• Offer practical help

2. Safety for Helpers

• Don't confront the abuser
• Keep information confidential
• Have your own safety plan
• Know when to call police

3. Practical Ways to Help

• Provide safe storage for documents/emergency bag
• Help with research and phone calls
• Provide transport when needed
• Look after children during appointments
• Offer your address for mail redirection

📞 QUICK REFERENCE: EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Save these in your phone under "Emergency Help":

• 000 - Police/Ambulance (immediate danger)
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 - 24/7 domestic violence support
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Crisis support
• Centrelink: 132 717 - Emergency financial help
• Legal Aid: [Your state number from list above]
• Local Police Station: [Look up your local station]
• Women's Refuge: [Contact 1800RESPECT for local numbers]

💪 REMEMBER: YOU ARE STRONG

You Are Not Alone

• 1 in 6 Australian women experience physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner
• Domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds
• Help is available and recovery is possible
• You deserve to live free from fear and violence

You Are Not to Blame

• Nothing you did caused the abuse
• You are not responsible for the abuser's behaviour
• You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness
• It's not your job to fix or change the abuser

You Deserve Help

• You deserve to be safe
• You deserve to be believed
• Your children deserve to grow up in a safe home
• There are people trained to help you

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🔄 WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW

If you're currently experiencing domestic violence:

Today:

1. ✅ Save these emergency numbers in your phone
2. ✅ Start thinking about your safety plan
3. ✅ Identify one trusted person you can talk to
4. ✅ Call 1800RESPECT when it's safe to talk

This Week:

1. ✅ Start collecting copies of important documents
2. ✅ Research services in your area
3. ✅ Think about where you could stay safely
4. ✅ Consider opening your own bank account

When You're Ready:

1. ✅ Contact domestic violence service for professional help
2. ✅ Develop detailed safety plan with counsellor
3. ✅ Apply for protection order if needed
4. ✅ Take steps to leave when it's safest to do so

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Remember: Leaving domestic violence is a process, not a single event. It's okay to take time to plan and prepare. Your safety is the most important thing.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025
Service Information Last Verified: August 2025

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This guide provides general information only. Every domestic violence situation is unique. Please contact professional services for personalised safety planning and support.

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