I Am Experiencing Abuse

You and your loved ones have the right to feel safe.

 

If you are experiencing violence or abuse in your relationships, it can be difficult to make the decision to seek help. You may feel scared that the perpetrator would carry out their threats to harm you or your loved ones, and worry about what the future would be like. It is normal to feel this way. There are trained professionals who care about your safety, and will listen to your difficulties and discuss suitable next steps.

 

Report Domestic Violence

Contact the police if there is imminent danger

Call 999 or SMS 70999

Contact the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH)

Call 1800-777-0000 or make an online report via the NAVH Reporting Form

Important things to note before making a report

Airtime charges apply for mobile calls to 1800 service lines.



Seek Help

 

Keep Safe

As you prepare to seek professional help, here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe:

  • Share about your current situation with a safe or trusted family member, friend or colleague.
  • Temporarily reside with a safe or trusted person if it is unsafe for you to remain in your home.
  • Ensure that you have your mobile phone or other means of communication with you at all times, in the event you need to call for help.
  • Make a list of safe people to contact and place their numbers on your “favourites” contact list on your phone, or memorise the numbers.
  • Plan an escape route or how you will respond should violence or abuse occur while you are at home.

 

What if it is Unsafe for You to Tell Others You Need Help

Signal for Help

 

You can use the one-handed gesture, termed the ‘Signal for Help’, to discreetly show that you need help and want someone to check in with you when it is safe to do so. This signal is done by first holding up one hand with the thumb tucked into the palm, and then folding four fingers over the thumb.