Domestic and Family Violence

Share Your Story - Domestic Violence Campaign

The AMA is working at state and national levels to improve access to appropriate services for people experiencing domestic violence by educating doctors on referral pathways to social workers, emergency accommodation services, and legal support.

One in five women experiencing domestic violence will first report it to their GP

The AMA(SA) is encouraging doctors to access the available resources, including the national AMA resource: Supporting Patients Experiencing Family Violence: A Resource for Medical Practitioners, the RACGP White Book, and resources provided through SA Health and other state services. For more information on SA services, see the list below. You can also access the AMA(SA) poster for doctors' rooms at the PDF below.

SA Contact Information: Where people can get help

Women’s Domestic Violence Court Assistance Service (WDVCAS)

The state government, through the Taking A Stand policy, has recently announced the establishment of the WDVCAS. This service is able to provide advice and direct legal assistance to women who may be contemplating or wanting to apply for an intervention order. They can also assist with residential matters.

Regions: The WDVCAS operates on a state-wide basis at no cost to women who access the service. Women can access the service via video-link from Victim Support Service (VSS) centres in Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge, Berri, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln.

For further information and referrals contact: The Victim Support Service Helpline on 1800 VICTIM (1800 842 846) or by visiting victimsa.org.

Domestic Violence Gateway

This service can provide crisis counselling, intake, assessment, referral and placement in emergency accommodation to women who may be experiencing domestic violence and contemplating or fleeing a violent situation.

Regions: This is a state-wide 24/7 service Free call: 1800 003 308 victimsa.org

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Counselling Helpline, information and support:

• Safety planning and support for individuals experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence
• Information for family and friends
• Guidance to any professionals assisting people experiencing sexual assault or domestic violence

Regions: National service 24/7. 1800respect.org.au

SA Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Gateway Service – 1800 800 098 – advocacy, counselling, support to remain safe at home or access to other safe accommodation, emergency accommodation, and referrals for and in relation to police, legal services and financial assistance, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. After hours calls are diverted to the Homelessness Gateway Service (1800 003 308).

Central Domestic Violence Service – Eastern Region (08) 8365 5033

Central Domestic Violence Service – Western Region (08) 8268 7700

Southern Domestic Violence Service – (08) 8382 0066

Ninko Kurtangga Patpangga – (08) 8297 9644

Northern Domestic Violence Service – (08) 8255 3622

Nunga Mi:minar Incorporated – (08) 8367 6474

Murray Malley and Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service – (08) 8531 8888

Migrant Women’s Support Service – (08) 8346 9417

Mensline Australia – 1300 78 99 78 – support, information and referral service, with counselling for men and specialist support to those who experience family violence.

Family Relationship Advice – 1800 050 321 – information and advice on family relationship issues and parenting arrangements after separation, and referral to local services. Monday-Friday 8am-8 pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm.

Lifeline – 131 114 – crisis support services, available 24/7.

Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 – free confi dential, telephone and online counselling for young people aged 5-25, available 24/7.

Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service – (08) 8226 8777 or 1800 817 421, after hours and emergencies: (08) 8226 8787

White Ribbon – whiteribbon.org.au – national and state based support organisations which may be of assistance