Service Directory

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - The National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line is for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. It is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Professionally qualified, specialist counsellors will provide counselling, information, advice and referrals to relevant local services. Unfortunately the helpline is likely to be both better informed about and more utilised by female victims, and there are very few services available for them to refer male victims on to. Be prepared to "prove" you are a "genuine" victim. Call 1800 737 732 or online (internet) counselling is available at www.1800respect.org.au.

Commonwealth Bank domestic and family violence assistance - support for customers affected by domestic and family violence. You'll have access to a Community Wellbeing Specialist who will assess your needs and help you safely manage your finances. You’ll receive ongoing specialised financial assistance if you’re experiencing financial hardship as a result of your situation. You may be referred to other services, if appropriate. commbank.com.au/support/dv-assistance.html.

Dads in Distress - A dedicated support group of men whose immediate concern is to stem the present trend of male suicide due to the trauma of divorce or separation. This is not a family violence service, but might still be helpful to male victims where domestic violence and children are involved. Call 1300 853 437 for the cost of a local call Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Or go to parentsbeyondbreakup.com/dids.

Escaping Violence Payment - The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program is available for people 18+ who have recently experienced family violence, have a changed living situation and are experiencing financial stress. Go to www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/family-services/family-violence-services/escaping-violence-payment to find out whether you are eligible.

Mensline Australia - A generic helpline for all men and all relationship issues, not specifically family violence. For instant, confidential, professional, male-friendly counselling, call 1300 789 978 for the cost of a local call, 24/7, or go to their website at www.mensline.org.au. Mensline also offer a Call-Back Counsellor service, who can work with you on bigger issues than their crisis line or until you access another useful service. Unfortunately there are very few services available for them to refer male victims on to. Be prepared to "prove" you are a "genuine" victim. They have put together a good tip sheet for male victims of domestic violence, available at www.mensline.org.au/are-you-experiencing-violence-or-abuse-in-your-relationship.html.

Men's Rights Agency (QLD) - One of the agency’s aims is to provide aid to victims of domestic violence and encourage initiatives to reduce the incidence of domestic violence. Call 07 3805 5611 or 0409 269 621 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Or go to their website at www.mensrights.com.au.

NRMA domestic and family violence assistance - support for customers affected by domestic and family violence. If you’re affected by family and domestic violence, information you give NRMA about your situation will be kept private (even if you have a joint policy). They also offer to talk to you about financial support if your situation is putting stress on your finances. nrma.com.au/fdv-assistance.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (ACT) - Provides 24/7 crisis intervention services to anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced, domestic and family violence. Their crisis services are provided 365 days a year and include telephone support, attendance with police at domestic and family violence incidents, access to safe emergency accommodation, safety planning and referrals to support services. Call (02) 6280 0900 or visit dvcs.org.au.

Louisa DV Service (ACT) - A community based service that offers information, advice, support and accommodation to women, children and men who have experienced domestic or family violence. Regardless of your gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, their role is to support you and work with you to make it possible for you to live in safety and security. Call 02 6299 4799 or visit louisa.net.au.

Family Advocacy and Support Services (NSW) - a specialist family violence service that provides legal and social support services to clients affected by family violence in the family law courts. The FASS is made up of lawyers and support workers. Lawyers provide duty services to clients to assist with their family law and family violence issues. There is no cost involved with seeing a lawyer or support service from the FASS. Their lawyers are separate from other Legal Aid NSW lawyers. This means they can provide assistance even if clients are in dispute with someone who is receiving help from another Legal Aid office. Available at Sydney, Parramatta, Newcastle & Wollongong NSW. www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/domestic-violence/family-advocacy-and-support-service-fass.

Hunter Domestic Violence Support & Advisory Services Inc (Cessnock, NSW) - A 24/7 service to assist men who are or have been experiencing domestic violence. Call 02 4990 9609 or 0488 246 693 or email paulahdvsas@live.com.au. Their brochure is available for download at oneinthree.com.au/s/Hunter_DV_Brochure.pdf.

I'm a man and experiencing domestic violence (NSW) - A surprisingly good webpage from the NSW Government supporting male victims of family violence. www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/my-situation-is---/i-m-a-man-and-experiencing-domestic-violence.html.

Men's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (NSW) - Barrister Mario Licha runs a free legal service in Sydney for men going through AVO proceedings. His website is guiltynotguilty.com.au.

Parent Line (NSW) - Provides parenting support for families coping with domestic violence. Many fathers are struggling to care for children in the midst of domestic violence. Parent Line can help. Their 24/7 telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers offers professional, experienced parenting expertise for 0 to 18 year olds; strategies tailored to meet the needs of families affected by DV; and immediate access to support, 24 hours a day. Call 1300 1300 52 or go to www.parentline.org.au.

Rent Choice Start Safely (NSW) - a subsidy to provide short to medium term financial help to eligible clients who have experienced domestic or family violence so they can secure private rental accommodation and do not have to return to the violent situation. More information at www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/start-safely.

Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper (NSW) - Making home ownership more achievable for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/home-buying-assistance/shared-equity

Think Twice! (Mittagong, NSW) - Relationship abuse prevention and recovery, counselling and programs for couples and individuals experiencing conflict and abuse in their relationships. Call Toni McLean & Associates on 0409 599 887 or go to their website at www.thinktwiceprogram.net.

Victims Support Scheme (NSW) - Provides counselling, financial support and a recognition payment to victims of a violent crime in NSW. They can help with counselling, financial support, and recognition payments. www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au.

Your Court, Your Safety - A guide to going to court and getting help with domestic violence. A useful resource for victims of domestic violence produced by the NSW Government's Crime Prevention Division. www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au/domesticviolence/Documents/Publications/your%20court%20your%20safety%20domestic_violence_booklet_web_version.pdf.

Louise Spencer (Hawthorne, QLD) - Louise is an accomplished clinician, mediator and therapist who offers confidential counselling services to men who have experienced abuse. Louise is highly skilled and experienced in this realm and is available for consultation and appointments across Australia both in person or via phone or Zoom. Louise works within a safe and nonjudgmental model of care. She can be contacted via www.louisespencer.com.au or 0401 011 181.

Mensline Queensland - Mensline is Queensland’s free, domestic and family violence helpline for anyone identifying as male, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, income or religion. Offering counselling, information and referral pathways for men experiencing domestic and family violence. Unfortunately the helpline is likely to be both better informed about and more utilised by male perpetrators, and there are very few services available for them to refer male victims on to. Be prepared to "prove" you are a "genuine" victim. Call 1800 600 636, between 9am – midnight, 7 days. www.dvconnect.org/mensline.

Shelter for Men Escaping DV (QLD) - Sheltered By Grace is a non-government funded Charity which is an accredited, level 3 Support Accommodation service based in South East Queensland that houses Single Men over the age of 25 escaping Domestic Violence. Call 07 3200 7145 for their intake services Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm. www.sbg.org.au.

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (TAS) - offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence. Call 1800 608 122 9am - 12am M-F and 4pm - 12am weekends & public holidays or visit www.communities.tas.gov.au/children/family_violence_counselling_and_support_services.

Huon Domestic Violence Service (TAS) - A free and confidential service to anyone affected by family/domestic violence in the Huon Valley. Call 03 6264 2222 9am - 4:30pm M- F or visit huondomesticviolence.com.au.

Safe Choices program (TAS) - Provides practical support, advice and referral to support services, for those people experiencing Family Violence. Call 1800 806 189 between 9am and 5pm M - F, text 0448 046 918 (south) or 0439 910 435 (north & north west) or visit www.safechoicestas.org.au.

Family Advocacy and Support Services (VIC) - a specialist family violence service that provides legal and social support services to clients affected by family violence in the family law courts. The FASS is made up of lawyers and support workers. Lawyers provide duty services to clients to assist with their family law and family violence issues. There is no cost involved with seeing a lawyer or support service from the FASS. Their lawyers are separate from other Legal Aid VIC lawyers. This means they can provide assistance even if clients are in dispute with someone who is receiving help from another Legal Aid office. Available at Melbourne & Dandenong VIC. www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/get-legal-services-and-advice/free-legal-advice/get-help-court/family-advocacy-and-support-services.

Orange Door (VIC) - A free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

Safe Steps (VIC) - Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre. They provide specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence. Call 1800 015 188 (available 24/7) or visit www.safesteps.org.au.

Victims of Crime Helpline / The Victims Support Agency (VIC) - The Victims Support Agency is the primary support service for men affected by family violence in Victoria. It is a free service, available by contacting the Victims of Crime Helpline. If you would like confidential advice about options available to you, call 1800 819 817, text 0427 767 891, email vsa@justice.vic.gov.au or visit www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/the-crime/types-of-crime/information-for-men-family-violence-and-abuse-in-relationships. Open 8am–11pm, every day.

DVassist (Regional WA) - if you live in regional, rural or remote Western Australia and you are experiencing family and domestic violence, you can access anonymous, confidential, free counselling from a non-government agency. Their phone and web chat counselling services are anonymous, confidential, free and available between 7am and 12am, 7 days a week. Call 1800 080 083 or visit dvassist.org.au.

Men's Domestic Violence Helpline (WA) - a state wide 24 hour service aimed primarily at male perpetrators, however information and support is also available for men who have experienced family and domestic violence. Unfortunately the helpline is likely to be both better informed about and more utilised by male perpetrators, and there are very few services available for them to refer male victims on to. Be prepared to "prove" you are a "genuine" victim. Call 08 9223 1199 or freecall 1800 000 599. www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/community-support/mens-domestic-violence-helpline.

Menstime at Anglicare WA - a program for men providing relationship counselling, support, referrals and relevant and practical groups for men. Their website is at www.anglicarewa.org.au/get-help/relationships-and-separation/menstime.

1523.it (Italy) - runs an emergency phone number 1523 for men, teens and children who are victims of violence, exploitation and stalking. 1523.it.

Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS) (Scotland) - a national organisation providing support to any man affected by domestic abuse. abusedmeninscotland.org.

B United (England) - Supporting male victims of domestic abuse in Cambridgeshire. b-united.net.

Dyn Project (Wales) - Raising awareness and providing support for male victims of domestic abuse. www.dynwales.org.

Foundation for the Mistreatment of Men (Fundación para la defensa de los hombres maltratados) (Spain) - Helps men who are victims of domestic violence and abuse within relationships with their partners or ex-partners. Offers legal and psychological assistance. fundaciondefensahombresmaltratados.es

Male Advice Line (Ireland) - for victims of domestic abuse and violence. The advice line, which can be accessed on 1800 816 588, is run by the Men’s Development Network and is open for 36 hours each week from Monday to Friday. mensnetwork.ie/mal.

ManKind Initiative (England) - a charity that provides a help-line service for male victims of domestic abuse or domestic violence. www.mankind.org.uk

Men's Advisory Project (Northern Ireland) - MAP exists to provide counselling services for men experiencing domestic abuse. www.mapni.co.uk

Men’s Aid (Ireland) - Provides a confidential helpline and support services for male victims of domestic abuse and their children. www.mensaid.ie.

Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre (Wales) - Supporting men, women and children experiencing or affected by domestic abuse in North Powys. www.familycrisis.co.uk.

New Leaf (USA) - Operates two 24-hour emergency shelter and transitional housing program for male and female victims of domestic violence. Services include: a crisis hotline, safe housing, meals, case management, childcare, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse counseling, parenting education, and life-skills classes. www.turnanewleaf.org/services/domestic-violence-services.

Norda House Project (England) - A confidential support and advice service for men who experience domestic abuse in Cornwall. nordahouse.org/services.

The Paul Lavelle Foundation (UK) - After the devastating loss of Paul Lavelle in a domestic abuse incident in 2017, friends and family came together to create the Foundation. The Charity was created to raise awareness of male domestic abuse, support male victims and survivors and provide healthy relationship education as a preventative measure. paullavellefoundation.co.uk.

Respect Men's Advice Line (UK) - Advice and support for men in abusive relationships. Check out their website at www.mensadviceline.org.uk or download their booklet from oneinthree.com.au/s/MAL_booklet_for_male_victims.pdf.

South Valley Services (USA) - Offers case management and referral services to domestic violence victims and local families using coordination and community response across multiple disciplines. www.svsutah.org.

Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) (USA) - A human rights organisation that provides services, publications and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services: straight men, GLBT victims, teens, and the elderly. They promote services for all victims and accountability for all perpetrators. Check out their website at stopabuseforeveryone.org.

Valley Oasis (USA) - Their programs provide services to all victims of domestic violence regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. www.valleyoasis.org.

A quick look at abuse of men by women (USA) - a great short overview of the issue put together by author Ann Silvers. annsilvers.com/products/a-quick-look-at-abuse-of-men-by-women. Ann has also put together a great short YouTube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFbY3Ktd494.

For Men Affected by Domestic Violence (UK) - A very good resource from the Greater London Domestic Violence Project. Covers issues such as What is Domestic Violence, Are you being abused, Myth busting, What you can do, and Support information. www.menshealthaustralia.net/storage/files/For_men_affected_by_DV.pdf.

Men Abused by Women in Intimate Relationships (Canada) - An excellent electronic resource published by Alberta Children’s Services, covering such issues as What is abuse, What you can do, and Where to get help. www.humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/PFVB1100-men-abused-by-women-booklet.pdf.

Serving Male-Identified Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (USA) - An excellent US resource for professionals working in the DV sector who wish to better serve male victims. vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/2017-07/NRCDV_TAG-ServingMaleSurvivors-July2017.pdf.

Stop Abuse For Everyone (USA) - A human rights organisation that provides services, publications and training to serve those who typically fall between the cracks of domestic violence services: straight men, GLBT victims, teens, and the elderly. They promote services for all victims and accountability for all perpetrators. stopabuseforeveryone.org. Download one of their brochures: Male Intimate Partner Violence Brochure, Sibling Abuse Brochure, Elderly Abuse Brochure, LGBT Intimate Partner Violence Brochure or Dating Violence Brochure.

SAMSSA (ACT) - A service assisting male survivors of sexual assault offers counselling and support to men over the age of 16, and their supporters, in the ACT and surrounding regions. Call 02 6247 2525 or visit samssa.org.au.

NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (NSW) - For anyone in NSW impacted by sexual assault (including friends, families and supporters). Available 24/7 at 1800 424 017 or visit fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services.

SAMSN (NSW) - A not-for-profit charity that employs qualified staff and men with lived experience to provide services to male survivors of child sexual assault, their families, and supporters. They offer planned support and counselling, eight-week support groups and monthly drop-in meetings for men, supporters & survivors workshops as well as workshops and training for service providers. Call 1800 4 SAMSN (72 676) or visit www.samsn.org.au.

Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (NSW) - For adult survivors of childhood institutional sexual abuse. Supporting anyone accessing the Redress Scheme and alternative compensation. Available 24/7 at 1800 211 028 or visit fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services.

LivingWell (QLD) - Offers a range of services specifically designed to assist men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault, their partners, friends and family and service providers. Call (07) 3435 4358 or 1300 114 397 or go to www.livingwell.org.au.

Yarrow Place is an inclusive service for anyone who has been sexually assaulted and provides a variety of services for people aged 16 and above. Call 1800 817 421 or visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/Public+Content/SA+Health+Internet/Services/Primary+and+Specialised+Services/Sexual+Health+Services/Yarrow+Place/Yarrow+Place

Centre Against Sexual Assault (TAS) - Offers free and confidential services to men, women and children who have been affected by sexual assault or rape. Call 03 6431 9711.

Sexual Assault Support Service (TAS) - A free and confidential support service for southern Tasmanian people of all ages who have been affected by any form of sexual violence. They also provide Redress Scheme Support Services across Tasmania. Call 1800 697 877 or visit www.sass.org.au.

Centres Against Sexual Assault (VIC) - Counselling and support if you have been sexually assaulted. Call 03 9635 3610, after hours 03 9349 2466, or freecall 1800 806 292 or visit casa.org.au.

South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (VIC) - Resources for male survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, sexual harrassment and family violence can be found at www.secasa.org.au.

1in6.org (USA) - their mission is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives. This includes providing resources for people who care about them. www.1in6.org.

Male Survivor (USA) - committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism. www.malesurvivor.org.

Unhelpful myths about the sexual assault and rape of men - an excellent web resource addressing commonly accepted myths that can make it difficult for a man to publicly name an experience of sexual assault or rape. livingwell.org.au/information/unhelpful-myths-about-the-sexual-assault-and-rape-of-men.

When a Man is Raped - A useful booklet designed to aid in the understanding about the rape of men, what professional support services are available and what they do, and what might happen if the rapist is prosecuted. www.ecav.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/resource-shop/booklets/booklets#!/When-a-man-is-raped/p/410489590/category=120529583.

Who Can a Man Tell? - A useful booklet written primarily for adult men who were sexually assaulted as children. It also contains information which may be helpful for relatives and friends who wish to support these men as they confront painful childhood experiences and strive to overcome the influence the abuse has had on their lives. www.ecav.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/resource-shop/booklets/booklets#!/Who-can-a-man-tell/p/410502548/category=120529583.

Another Closet - Domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships. Their website is at ssdv.acon.org.au.

QLife - Anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral on 1800 184 527 or webchat at www.qlife.org.au/resources/chat.

ACON (NSW) - They are here to help LGBTIQ people who have experienced domestic and family violence by providing a range of resources and support services. www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/domestic-family-violence.

LGBTIQ Legal Advice (NSW) - The Inner City Legal Centre operates the LGBTIQ legal advice service by appointment on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. To make an appointment call (02) 9332 1966 or freecall 1800 244 481. Their website is at www.iclc.org.au/our-services/lgbtiq-legal-advice.

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline (NSW) - For anyone from the LGBTIQ+ community whose life has been impacted by sexual domestic and/or family violence. Available 24/7 at 1800 497 212 or visit fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services.

Safe Relationships Project (NSW) - The Inner City Legal Centre also operates the Safe Relationships Project (SRP), which can help you with going to court and applying for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO). The SRP can provide free domestic violence court assistance for people in same sex relationships, transgender and transsexual people and intersex people. To make an appointment call (02) 9332 1966 or freecall 1800 244 481. Check out their website at www.iclc.org.au/our-services/safe-relationships-project.

Rainbow Door (VIC) – Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline with family violence supports. www.rainbowdoor.org.au.

VAC (VIC) - Family and relationship violence service for the LGBTI community. Contact intake worker Mon- Fri 9am to 5pm on 03 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840 (free call for country callers) or visit vac.org.au/lgbti-health/relationship-family-violence.

Victorian Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (VIC) - Consider talking to a specially trained Victorian Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer. GLLOs are specially trained and are sensitive to GLBTI issues. Call 03 9247 6944 or email melbourne.gllo@police.vic.gov.au.

Another Closet - Domestic violence in gay and lesbian relationships. Download their booklet from bit.ly/acssdv.

LGBTIQ Handbook - The Queensland Government has released ‘Queer without Fear – Domestic and Family Violence in LGBTI Relationships’ LGBTIQ Handbook which may be helpful to you. campaigns.premiers.qld.gov.au/dfvlgbtiq/assets/custom/docs/queer-without-fear.pdf.

Mensline Australia - Has put together a good tip sheet for gay men experiencing family violence, available at mensline.org.au/family-violence-in-same-sex-relationships.html.

Say It Out Loud - has helpful articles about healthy and unhealthy relationships in the LGBTQI community. sayitoutloud.org.au.