Family and domestic violence support — 1800RESPECT, protection orders, and the visa Family Violence Provisions
In immediate danger, call 000; for 24-hour counselling, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). From applying for protection orders to the visa Family Violence Provisions, this guide shows the paths to help that are open to you regardless of your visa status.
Family violence is not something you have to endure alone
Family and domestic violence means any behaviour by a spouse, partner, or family member that hurts, frightens, or controls another person, and it is treated as an extremely serious issue in Australia. It can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, culture, or visa status, and it is never the victim's fault — the responsibility lies with the perpetrator. Australia has systematic support in place, from 24-hour counselling, emergency accommodation, and legal protection to visa relief measures. Note: your search history may remain on devices the perpetrator can access, so open this page on a safe device if possible.
It is not only physical violence — economic abuse and coercive control
In Australia, family violence is not limited to physical violence. Emotional abuse such as threats and insults, economic abuse such as controlling money and preventing you from working, coercive control such as cutting you off from people you know and monitoring your every move, and visa threats like 'if you report me, your visa will be cancelled' all count as abuse. Some states, including NSW, have made coercive control itself a criminal offence. Even if you are not sure whether what you are experiencing 'counts as violence', you can talk to 1800RESPECT.
Get help now — 000 and 1800RESPECT
If you are in danger right now, call 000 (police, ambulance, fire). If it is not an emergency but you need counselling, information, or referrals to local services, call the national 24-hour counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or use the online chat on its official website. Professional counsellors will listen confidentially and guide you to the services you need, from safety planning to emergency accommodation, legal, and financial support.
Limited English is okay — interpreter services
With 000 you can ask for an interpreter once connected, and 1800RESPECT also arranges interpreter support. You can also call the government interpreting service TIS National (131 450) and speak to the organisation you need through an interpreter in your language. Even with limited English, words like 'help', 'police', and 'interpreter' are enough to start asking for help.
- In danger right now → 000 (you can ask for an interpreter once connected)
- Counselling, information, service referrals → 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 (24 hours, online chat available)
Protection orders — the law can protect you
A protection order is a legal mechanism by which a court imposes conditions on the perpetrator, such as bans on approaching or contacting you. The name differs by state: in NSW it is an ADVO (Apprehended Domestic Violence Order), in VIC an FVIO (Family Violence Intervention Order), and in QLD a DVO (Protection Order), among others. When you report to the police, they will often apply on the victim's behalf, or you can apply directly at your Local/Magistrates Court. Breaching a protection order is a criminal offence, and the perpetrator can be arrested and prosecuted for a breach.
- Check the name of the protection order in your state and the application procedure on your state government and court official websites
- When police are involved, an interim protection order is often applied for quickly — protection is possible even before the court's final decision
Support for your situation
Support does not end with counselling and reporting. Official support is available for each situation, covering visas, living costs, somewhere to stay, and work issues. If you are not sure which of the items below applies to you, tell a 1800RESPECT counsellor about your situation and ask for a referral.
Partner visa applicants (subclass 820/801 etc.) may be able to continue the permanent residence process under the Family Violence Provisions even if the relationship ends because of family violence. The claim that 'you have to put up with it because of your visa' may not be true. The eligibility and evidence requirements are complex, so consulting an OMARA registered migration agent or Legal Aid is essential.
If you meet the requirements, you may receive the Crisis Payment from Services Australia (a one-off payment, generally with conditions such as claiming within 7 days of the event). A separate government support program operates for temporary visa holders — ask 1800RESPECT for a referral. In situations of economic abuse, you can also be connected to free financial counselling.
Crisis accommodation (refuges) and government-supported emergency accommodation (such as the Safe Places program) are available when you need to leave home. You can be referred through 1800RESPECT or your state's housing crisis support service.
Safety plan checklist
Experts advise that a safety plan prepared in advance can make a real difference in a crisis. If it is hard to make one on your own, you can create it together with a 1800RESPECT counsellor. Below are the key things to prepare.
- Keep important documents (with copies) — passport, visa documents, Medicare card, bank cards — in a safe place. Even if the perpetrator has taken your documents, they can be reissued, so do not give up
- Tell someone you trust (a friend or colleague) about your situation, and agree on a short code signal to send when you are in danger
- Prepare an emergency bag (medications, spare clothes, cash, children's items) and keep it in a safe place
Things to keep in mind
These are things worth knowing as you seek help. None of them mean the victim is at fault — they are guidance for getting support more safely.
- Watch your digital footprint — even incognito mode is not fully safe on shared devices or devices the perpetrator can access. Use a safe device and make use of the Quick Exit button on support websites
- Do not simply believe threats like 'if you report me, you'll be deported' — you can use the police and support services regardless of your visa status, and relief measures such as the Family Violence Provisions exist. Get an accurate assessment from a registered professional
Useful official links
- 1800RESPECT(opens in a new window)
24-hour national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling (phone 1800 737 732, online chat). Provides interpreter support and referrals to local services.
- Home Affairs — Family violence and your visa(opens in a new window)
The Department of Home Affairs' official 'family violence and your visa' information — check who the Family Violence Provisions apply to and the evidence requirements.
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