Services that can help
There is support available for you – whatever your situation.
Pets, kids, housing, financial, legal advice – or just someone to talk to.
Are you safe now?
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a 24/7 service that offers round the clock support for women and children who are in crisis and escaping domestic or family violence. Please note, if you or someone you know are in danger please call 000.
Emergency contacts
Emergencies – 000 (or 112 from mobiles)
Raymond Terrace Police Station – 49837599
Nelson Bay Police Station – 49277220
Karuah Police Station – 49975544
24/7 Helplines
1800Respect – 1800 737 732 – 24/7 information, counseling and support service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence. www.1800respect.org.au
NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463 – 24/7 information, support and referral service for people experiencing domestic and family violence. www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence/helpline
Child Protection Helpline – 132 111 – 24/7 telephone service that receives information from reporters and undertakes assessment of information on child protection concerns. www.dcj.nsw.gov.au
Full Stop Australia – 1800 385 578 – 24/7, confidential, trauma specialist counselling to people of all genders who have been subject to sexual, domestic and family violence, as well as their friends, colleagues and family members. www.fullstop.org.au
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 – 24/7 private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. www.kidshelpline.com.au
Link2Home – 1800 152 152 – 24/7 information and referral service that provides support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. www.nsw.gov.au
Lifeline – 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Online chat available for people who prefer to type than talk – Lifeline provides compassionate support for people in crisis. www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467 – The Suicide Call Back Service provides immediate support to anyone feeling suicidal. www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
MensLine – 1300 789 978 – 24/7 online telephone and counselling service for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing. www.mensline.org.au
13Yarn – 13 92 76 – 24/7 crisis support to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. www.13yarn.org.au
Helplines for men using, or at risk of using, violent or controlling behaviour
Brother to Brother Crisis Line – 1800 435 799 – Crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. www.dardimunwurro.com.au/brother-to-brother-crisis-line
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 – 24/7 Telephone helpline for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour. Also provides support and referrals for women and men seeking information on behalf of their male partners, friends or family members, and workers in a range of agencies seeking assistance for their clients who are men. https://ntv.org.au/mrs/
MensLine – 1300 789 978 – 24/7 online telephone and counselling service for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing. www.mensline.org.au
Domestic, Sexual & Family Violence Services
Full Stop Australia – 1800 385 578 – 24/7, confidential, trauma specialist counselling to people of all genders who have been subject to sexual, domestic and family violence, as well as their friends, colleagues and family members. www.fullstop.org.au
Hunter Valley Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services – 4936 2906 – this service is for women only. This service supports women who are experiencing domestic violence. www.carriesplace.org.au/domestic-violence/dv-court-advocacy
Newcastle Sexual Assault Service – 4924 6333
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services – 49 800 800 – supports women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence, to remain in their home, or a home of their choice, free from violence and/or supports those fleeing violence with relocating to another home, with temporary housing support and/or access to a safe house for women and children. www.psfans.org.au
Warlga Ngurra Women’s and Childrens Refuge – 49501566 – The Domestic Violence Enhancement (DVRE) program enhances the services response for women and children who are in unsafe housing, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, as a result of domestic and family violence. www.warlgangurra.org.au
Victims Services – 1800 633 063 – Support, counselling, financial assistance, referral and information for people experiencing violence. www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au
VOCAL (Victims of Crime Assistance League) – 4926 2711 – VOCAL’s team of victim support specialists offer a free service to victims of crime. www.vocal.org.au
Yacaaba Centre – 4984 2176 – Mental health support, Domestic Violence Support, Welfare assistance, Community programs and activities, Workshops and education, Referrals to community resources. www.yacaabacentre.com.au
For Men who use violence
Brother to Brother Crisis Line – 1800 435 799 – Crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. www.dardimunwurro.com.au/brother-to-brother-crisis-line
Hunter Men’s Projects Network – The Hunter Men’s Projects Network is an unique network of practitioners from Non-Government, Government, and Community Organisations in the Hunter Region NSW who work with men and boys in the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention, Early Intervention, and Men’s Behaviour Change sector. www.huntermensprojectsnetwork.au
Mensline – 1300 789 978 – Free online telephone and counselling service for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing. Available 24/7. www.mensline.org.au
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491 – 24/7 Telephone helpline for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour. Also provides support and referrals for women and men seeking information on behalf of their male partners, friends or family members, and workers in a range of agencies seeking assistance for their clients who are men. http://www.ntv.org.au/
Counselling Support
Family Connect and Support – 1300 006 480 – Family Connect and Support brings together families, support services and community resources so that our children and young people are safe and well. https://familyconnectsupport.dcj.nsw.gov.au/
Hunter Women’s Centre – 4968 2511 – Hunter Women’s Centre provides a client centred, strengths based and trauma informed counselling service to women. https://hwc.org.au/
Interrelate – 1300 473 528 – Interrelate specialise in counselling, separation support, mental health and education to help you and your family. https://interrelate.org.au/
Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277 – A caring, safe and supportive space to talk through any difficulties or challenges in your relationships. For individuals, families, and couples. www.relationships.org.au
Headspace – Newcastle 4929 4201 or Maitland 4931 1000 – A service for young people aged 12-25 with short term support for mild-to-moderate difficulties. www.headspace.org.au
Lifeline Counselling (crisis line) – 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Online chat available for people who prefer to type than talk. www.lifeline.org.au
Mensline – 1300 789 978 – Free online telephone and counselling service for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationship, stress and wellbeing. www.mensline.org.au
Mental Health Access Line – 1800 011 511 – The Mental Health Line is NSW Health’s 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with NSW Health mental health services. www.health.nsw.gov.au
Family Relationship Advice Line – 1800 050 321 – The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues, including information on parenting arrangements after separation. It can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance. www.fral.org.au
Victims Services – 1800 633 063 or Aboriginal Line 1800 019 123 – Support, counselling, financial assistance, referral and information for people experiencing violence. www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au
Housing & Accomodation
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services – 4987 1331 – PSFaNS Early Intervention and Homelessness Service provide a range of client centred services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. www.psfans.org.au
Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge – 4950 1566 – The Domestic Violence Enhancement (DVRE) program enhances the services response for women and children who are in unsafe housing, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, as a result of domestic and family violence. www.warlgangurra.org.au
Link2Home – 1800 152 152 – A 24/7 statewide information and referral service that provides support for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. www.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Tenancy Advice Service – 4969 7666 – Hunter Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service (HTAAS) provides free telephone advice, information, advocacy, and (where appropriate) representation at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for people who are renting privately through a landlord or Real Estate Agent, tenants in Public and Community housing, tenants renting Caravan Parks, homeowners in Land Lease Communities, and residents of Boarding Houses. www.tenants.org.au
Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation
Family & Community Support
Family Connect and Support – 1300 006 480 – Family Connect and Support brings together families, support services and community resources so that our children and young people are safe and well. www.familyconnectsupport.dcj.nsw.gov.au
Family Relationship Advice Line – 1800 050 321 – The Family Relationship Advice Line is a national telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues, including information on parenting arrangements after separation. It can also refer callers to local services that provide assistance. www.fral.org.au
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services – 49 800 800 – Domestic and family violence dupport, homelessness services and advice on crisis accommodation, safe houses and transitional accommodation (limited), child, youth & family counselling and casework, youth centre and heaps more… www.psfans.org.au
Yacaaba Centre – 4984 2176 – Mental health support, Domestic Violence Support, Welfare assistance, Community programs and activities, Workshops and education, Referrals to community resources. www.yacaabacentre.com.au
Financial Assistance
Centrelink Crisis Payment– 13 28 50
Financial Counselling Hunter Valley Project Inc (free financial counselling)- 4933 8999 – www.fchv.org.au
HRNILS (fee free loans) – 4987 7660 – www.hrnils.org.au
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (ERF) – 4987 1331 – www.psfans.org.au
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre (ERF) – 4984 6220 – www.tomareenc.org.au
Food Assistance
Food Way Medowie (low cost groceries) – 4981 8204 – www.medowieaog.com/food-way-medowie
Hope Cottage Nelson Bay (food hampers) – 4981 1839 – https://allsaintsnelsonbay.org/hope-cottage
Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services (Oz Harvest) – 4987 1331 – www.psfans.org.au
Raymond Terrace Community Church (hampers) – 0422 523 896 – www.rtcc.org.au
Salvation Army Port Stephens – 8775 7988 – www.salvationarmy.org.au
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre – 4984 6220 – www.tomareenc.org.au
Legal Services
Aboriginal Legal Service – 1800 765 767 – If something is happening at home that makes you feel unsafe, the ALS is there to support you offering free and confidential help for you and your kids. www.alsnswact.org.au
Family Advocacy Support Service (FASS) – 1800 113 277 – can help if you are affected by family violence and have a family law issue. Their lawyers and support workers can help you if you have experienced family violence, or someone says you have used violence. Other family members like grandparents can also use our services. www.fcfcoa.gov.au
Family Law Courts – 1300 352 000 – www.fcfcoa.gov.au
Hunter Community Legal Centre – 4040 9121 – The Hunter CLC provides free legal assistance to people who live, work or study in the Newcastle and the Hunter regions. www.hunterclc.com.au
Legal Aid (Domestic Violence Unit) – 1800 979 529 – The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is a statewide specialist team of lawyers, domestic violence case workers, mental health workers and financial counsellors who work together to help clients who have experienced domestic and family violence with their legal and other needs. www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Hunter Valley Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services – 4936 2906 – this service is for women only. This service supports women who are experiencing domestic violence. www.carriesplace.org.au
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Legal Services – 1800 686 587 – provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women victims-survivors of violence with access to appropriate legal representation, advocacy, advice, and referral. www.wirringabaiya.org.au
Women’s Legal Service – 1800 801 501 – WLSNSW provide specialist legal services relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, family law, discrimination, victims support, child protection, human rights and access to justice. www.wlsnsw.org.au
Disability Services
Disability Advocacy NSW – 1300 365 085 or 4927 0111 – DA stands beside people with disability to help them know their rights, sort out issues, and be fully included in the community. www.da.org.au
Elder Abuse Hotline – 1800 651 192
National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline – 1800 880 052 – If you have experienced or witnessed a person with disability being hurt, treated badly or neglected, you can report it to the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline. www.dss.gov.au
People with a Disability Australia – 1800 422 015 – gives people with disability, their families and supporters easy access to the information, advice and referrals they need to understand choices, link to appropriate supports, and make informed decisions about the life they want. www.pwd.org.au
Aboriginal Services
Aboriginal Legal Service – 1800 765 767 – If something is happening at home that makes you feel unsafe, the ALS is there to support you offering free and confidential help for you and your kids. www.alsnswact.org.au
Aboriginal Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service – 4929 5004 – providing advice and advocacy to Aboriginal people who are experiencing issues with their tenancy in social, community, or private housing. www.nswats.com.au
Awabakal Medical Centre – 1300 174 908 – a community controlled health service, delivering culturally appropriate health care services, advocacy and social and emotional support to Aboriginal people. www.awabakal.org
Brother to Brother Crisis Line – 1800 435 799 – provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons. www.dardimunwurro.com.au
Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation – 4969 5299 –provides culturally appropriate and sensitive support to Aboriginal people in times of need. www.muloobinba.org.au
Victims Services Access Line Aboriginal Contact Line – 1800 019 123 – to speak to speak to an Aboriginal team member. www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au
Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge – 4950 1566 – The Domestic Violence Enhancement (DVRE) program enhances the services response for women and children who are in unsafe housing, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, as a result of domestic and family violence. www.warlgangurra.org.au
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Legal Services – 1800 686 587 – provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women victims-survivors of violence with access to appropriate legal representation, advocacy, advice, and referral. www.wirringabaiya.org.au
13Yarn – 13 92 76 – provide crisis support 24/7 to yarn with you without judgement and provide a confidential, culturally safe space to yarn about your needs, worries or concerns. www.13yarn.org.au
Multicultural Services
Health Care Interpreter Service and Multicultural Health Service – 4924 6285 – NSW Health Care Interpreting Services provide access to professional interpreting services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, onsite and by telephone in over 120 languages, including Auslan. www.nsw.gov.au
Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre – 4965 5291 – The Multicultural Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated promotes the education and support of children, young people, individuals and families from non-English speaking backgrounds in reaching their full potential within the community. www.mncinc.org.au
MOSAIC Multicultural Connections – 4969 3399 – Specialised support for families with children from 0 to 18 years old who are facing problems that affect their ability to care for their children. Our settlement team helps people who have recently arrived in Australia to settle into their new life. www.mosaicmc.org.au
Police Multicultural CLO – Waratah Police Station 4926 6521 – The Multicultural Community Liaison Officer (MCLO) program employs civilian officers at the local level to work with communities and police. www.police.nsw.gov.au
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) – 13 14 50 – The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is a language service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people with limited English proficiency and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. www.tisnational.gov.au
LGBTQIA+ Services
ACON Hunter – 4962 7700 – services for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence by providing a range of resources and support services. www.acon.org.au
Twenty10 – 8594 9555 – provides short term counselling and care coordination support for young people experiencing or have experiences of family, domestic or sexual(ised) violence. www.twenty10.org.au
QLife – 1800 184 527 – QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. www.qlife.org.au
Pets
SafetyNet Pet Assist – Helps pet parents with a sick or injured dog or cat, who are in financial hardship. www.petsafetynet.com.au