From today Australians who have experienced – or are at risk of – physical or sexual violence will have access to a new national telephone counselling service, with the launch of 1800 RESPECT, (1800 737 732).

Rather than just acting as a referral service, qualified counsellors from the NSW Rape Crisis Centre will deliver professional, specialist counselling services on a free and confidential basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Those, especially in rural and remote areas, who haven’t had ready access to this level of professional counselling before can now receive both instant advice and ongoing support and assistance.

Launched today as a vital telephone service the service will be expanded over coming months to utilise technology and recognise newer forms of communication with confidential on-line services giving women more options about the way that they seek support.

This service will meet the needs of people with disabilities, indigenous Australians, young people, and callers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The new counselling service will provide support for men, in addition to the additional funding the Government has also committed to Mensline to improve counselling services for male victims.

If you are at risk of or have experienced physical or sexual violence, you can call the free 24 hr national counselling service on 1800 RESPECT, (1800 737 732).

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