The national information and support service for domestic, family and sexual violence 1800RESPECT has launched an on-demand video counselling service.
The expansion will allow people seeking support to be connected to a qualified counsellor via video call to receive trauma-informed, culturally-safe and easily-accessible support for domestic, family and sexual violence.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the face-to-face aspect of the video counselling service will improve the experience of those seeking support via 1800RESPECT.
“The video call service is an innovative initiative that allows people needing support to virtually connect face-to-face with a 1800RESPECT counsellor without the need for an appointment,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Talking about domestic, family and sexual violence can be hard, and our hope is that the video call service channel will allow people who would feel more comfortable having that conversation face-to-face to have that option on-demand.
“We hope that the new video call option will encourage people to contact 1800RESPECT who haven’t previously used the service, including people who may have a communication difficulty using phone or text, and would benefit from a face-to-face interaction.”
The video counselling service will be available on Monday-Friday 9am-5pm for the initial roll-out phase, but it is expected to become a 24 hours, seven days a week service.
The video option is the latest of four services available at 1800RESPECT, including the phone helpline, the SMS text option and the online chat service, which are all available 24/7.
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the announcement falls under the government’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32.
“The First Action Plan 2023-2027 under our National Plan outlines the need to deliver quality services and increased support to victim-survivors,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“By simply following the video call link available on the 1800RESPECT website, video calls can provide the opportunity for victim-survivors to connect with counsellors to conduct in-depth safety planning.”
Elizabeth Koff AM, the Managing Director at Telstra Health, said 1800RESPECT’s expansion allows users to access the support that best suits them.
“1800RESPECT remains committed to ensuring that the service is as accessible as possible, meeting the diverse needs of individuals seeking support through the delivery of its four service channels, phone, text, online chat and video call,” Koff said.
In the 2020-21 financial year, 1800RESPECT provided more than 286,000 support responses across the country through their telephone and online services.
In December last year, 1800RESPECT expanded its services to provide support for victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence via SMS text message.
According to the federal government’s 2024 Status of Women Report Card, one in five women and one in 16 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
Domestic and family violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor, and is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
The lives of 14 women have been taken by domestic and family violence in Australia this year, according to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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