National mental health service Lifeline experienced its busiest day on record on Sunday, with its crisis support service inundated with nearly 3,500 calls.
It followed a week of heavy media coverage and public discussion of violence, including domestic violence, and came as tens of thousands of people joined the No More rallies acknowledging the women who have been killed by male violence already this year.
It also follows two separate and violent stabbing incidents in Sydney that have occurred in recent weeks, including the killing of six people at Bondi Junction.
Lifeline said it received a total of 3,439 voice calls and 932 digital contacts (text and webchat) on Sunday. These numbers constituted a 20 per cent rise on the year-to-date average.
In a statement to Women’s Agenda, Lifeline Australia CEO Colin Seery said the support service “received more contacts from helpseekers than ever before” on Sunday.
“This demand is unprecedented,” Seery said.
“What these figures clearly tell us is there is a great deal of distress in the community right now. Whether it is events overseas, the cost of living, homelessness, violence against women or a myriad of other factors affecting people’s lives. The level of distress and anxiety is very high.”
“People know they can reach out to Lifeline anytime in the day or night and they [will] be listened to and supported.”
“The horrific events across Australia over the last couple of weeks, and the systemic problem of violence against women, has put men’s use of violence against women at the forefront of public discussion yet again.”
“All men have a role to play in changing this.”
This year alone, 28 women have been killed by male violence. Meanwhile, new figures out from the Australian Institute of Criminology show that the number of women killed by a former intimate partner increased by almost 30 per cent in 2022-23.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets over the weekend as part of the No More rallies, demanding more action on gender-based violence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national cabinet meeting to discuss the issue, due to take place on Wednesday.
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.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.