In rural areas it may be difficult to gain access to support services and maintain your privacy . Internet and mobile connection can be patchy and the speed is often slow. These conditions may make it hard to seek help if you are experiencing domestic violence, and this is why DVassist was created.
It can be scary, confronting and hard to admit or discover that you might be experiencing abuse, because it is not always physical. You may feel as though you are alone in your experience if you are living in a regional area, but you are not. DVassist is here to help, and there is always help and support available.
We do our best to connect you with help in your local town through our online service directory. If you cannot find help locally, we also have a comprehensive list of state and national domestic and family violence services providers you can contact.
I am in in danger and I need to leave now
- Call the Police on 000 if you or a family member are in immediate danger
- Find and contact your local Crisis Support service in our online directory, or call the WA State Crisis Support line on 1800 199 008 or (08) 9223 1111
- Find local emergency refuge accommodation, police stations and hospital services
I am in an abusive relationship
- Speak confidentially with an experienced counsellor about what you are experiencing; you can find help locally with our online directory, of local domestic violence support services
- If you cannot find help locally in your town, you can also find state and national domestic and family violence support services in our online directory.
- Learn more about your rights and the law
- Create a safety plan and escape bag check-list.
- Talk to someone about what you are going through anonymously and confidentially by finding a counsellor in your area or online
- Work out what you are going to do next
I think I might be in an abusive relationship but I am not sure
- Speak confidentially with an experienced counsellor about what you are experiencing; you can find help locally with our online directory, of local domestic violence support services
- Take our online quiz Am I in an Abusive Relationship?
- Learn more about the early warning signs, different types of family and domestic violence, what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like, and the domestic violence cycle
- Work out what to do next
- Talk to someone about what you are going through anonymously and confidentially by finding a counsellor in your area
In addition to counselling, crisis support and emergency accommodation information, our online directory can connect you with other local domestic violence support services in your area that you might need, including:
- Everyday necessities such as food, clothing, a mobile phone and wifi access
- Financial and legal advice and support
- Help with education and employment
- Accessing medical and mental health services
- Alcohol and drug help
- Women’s, youth and men’s specific services
- Help with finding refuge for your pets
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