Crisis Support Links
If you are struggling with stress and depression, if you have been assaulted or are concerned about violence being used against you or you have been subject to a crime against you, this is a list of organisations that can assist. Click on a state to go to that state’s list. Click on a heading to go to the listed organisation’s website.
A Note on Power Exchange Relationships (including TPE and CNC)
We recognise that fully consensual Power Exchange relationships exist and can be healthy, happy spaces for people to explore and live within. We also recognise that coercive power exchange relationships that are harmful also exist and that a healthy relationship can evolve into an unhealthy one with partners struggling to understand what is happening and if they are, in fact, in an abusive relationship. Below is a link to a Parlimentary page discussing coercive control and the factors that make it abusive. The key element described over and over is the intent or realisation of harm to another through the actions of coercive (non consensual) control including intimidation intended to create fear as the overriding mechanism of control and an attempt to convince the other person they are powerless.
Parlimentary Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence
At KNOTbound we support truly consensual, healthy power exchange practices that enhance the lives of all involved. Coercive control is never acceptable and we encourage everyone to learn the difference. If you believe you are in a relationship involving coercive control, we urge you to reach out to one of the numerous organisations listed here or elsewhere for help.
National
QLife – 1800 184 527
Free, anonymous peer support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ people in Australia. Operating: 3 pm to 12 am 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
For those going through a hard time and needing to talk to someone. Operating: 24/7
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Providing support to all Australians experiencing emotional distress. Operating: 24/7 Text: 0477 13 11 14 Online chat also available.
inTouch – 1800 755 988
Specialist Family Violence Services for migrant and refugee women and their communities. Operating: 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday.
Rainbow Mob
Peer-led organisation for and by LGBTIQA+ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
13YARN – 13 92 76
National service offering confidential support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter for First Nations People who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
National free and confidential sexual, domestic or family violence counselling, information and support service.
Full Stop Australia – 1800 385 578
National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery service. Free and confidential for anyone in Australia who has been impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence.
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Free nationwide service providing support and online counselling to people affected by suicide. Operating: 24/7
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – 1800 497 212
Free and confidential support to anyone in Australia who is from the LBGTIQA+ communities and has recently or in the past experienced sexual , domestic or family violence.
MensLine – 1300 78 99 78
Offering counselling and support to men across Australia. Operating: 24/7
Australian Capital Territory
Lifeline Canberra
Free crisis support for anyone feeling overwhelmed, distressed or suicidal. Phone: 13 11 14. Operates 24/7 support.
Access Mental Health Line
For people who have concerns about their own or someone else’s mental health. Phone: 1800 629 354. Operates 24/7 support.
CRCC – 02 6247 2525
Face-to-face and phone support services for survivors of sexual abuse, assault or harassment. The Nguru Program provides culturally appropriate counselling form members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Operates: 7 am – 11 pm 7 days a week. Text: 0488 586 518. Email: crisis@crcc.org.au
SAMSSA – 02 6247 2525
A specialised service for men who have experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment. Both face-to-face and phone counselling are available.
New South Wales
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline – 1800 424 017
Free and confidential support for people in NSW impacted by sexual violence. Operating: 24/7
SAMSN – 1800 472 676
A specialised service for men who have experienced sexual abuse, assault or harassment.
Northern Territory
SARC
Sexual assault referral centres (SARC) can give you support if you have experienced sexual assault. Sexual assault can be verbal harassment, unwanted touching or an attack.
- Darwin: 08 8922 6472 24/7
- Katherine: 08 8973 8524
- Tennant Creek: 08 8962 4361
- Alice Springs: 08 8955 4500 27/7
DCASV – 08 8945 0155
Supports the healing of survivors, educates communities, and works effectively together to end sexual violence. Operating: 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri.
Queensland
DVConnect – 1800 010 120
Provides phone-based support and counselling to any Queenslander who has, or thinks they may have, been sexually assaulted or abused. Operating: 7:30 am – 11:30 pm 7 days a week.
BRISSC – 07 3391 0004
Provides support to women, trans and gender diverse (15+) survivors of sexual violence. Services include phone support, individual counselling, advocacy, community education and training.
VictimConnect – 1300 318 940
Free and confidential service for people impacted by violent crime in Queensland, including family and friends.
South Australia
Yarrow Place – 1800 817 421
A public health agency responding to rape and sexual assault in South Australia for people aged 16 years and over at the time of the sexual assault. Provides many services, including a 24/7 crisis response service, professional counselling, and support groups.
Tasmania
SASS – 1800 697 877
Free and confidential support service for Tasmanians of all ages who have been affected by any form of sexual violence. Operating: 24/7 crisis support.
Laurel House – 03 6334 2740 (NT) or 03 6431 9711 (NWT)
Provides 24/7 support hotline and free counselling to adults and children affected by sexual assault in the north, northeast and northwest of Tasmania.
Western Australia
SARC – 1800 199 888
For recent sexual assaults (in the past two weeks),
24 hours, 7 days a week and crisis counselling 8:30am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
SARC Counselling – 08 6458 1828
Free counselling for people of all sexualities and gender identities aged 13 years and above who have experienced sexual assault/abuse. You can use the SARC website’s map to find your local services.
Victoria
Rainbow Door – 1800 729 367
Rainbow Door is a free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families. Text: 0480 017 246. Operating 10 am – 5 pm 7 days a week.
WithRespect – 03 9663 6733
Family violence service supporting LGBTIQA+ people across Victoria. Case Management and Counselling programs. Operating 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday.
SACL – 1800 806 292
The central after hours coordination centre for all recent sexual assaults and provides immediate crisis responses throughout Victoria. Operating 5 pm – 9 am next day and weekends/public holidays.
SASVic
The peak body for 19 specialist sexual assault services across Victoria.
You can use the SASVic website’s map or their list of services to find your nearest centre.
The Orange Door – 1800 015 188
Support for people experiencing family violence or who need support with the care and well being of children and young people. Phone: depends on location, visit website. Operating hours 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday. Statewide number 24/7
Elizabeth Morgan House – 1800 364 297
Refuge accommodation, specialist family violence services, therapeutic support and legal support for Aboriginal women and children. Operating 24/7
Djirra – 1800 105 303
Support for Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic violence. Operating: Not listed.
Safe Steps – 1800 015 188
Telephone support 24/7