1800RESPECT introduces a new video call service

Australians in need of family, domestic and sexual violence support now have an additional avenue for receiving assistance, with the official launch today of a new, on-demand video counselling service through 1800RESPECT.

For the first time, anyone in Australia reaching out to 1800RESPECT – Australia’s national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service – can have the option of speaking face-to-face with a qualified counsellor via the video service.

Users simply need to click the video call button from the 1800RESPECT webpage from a compatible mobile or web browser and follow the prompts to connect to a counsellor.

The launch of the 1800RESPECT video service follows SMS capability included late last year.

It progresses the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to expanding the 1800RESPECT service to ensure those experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence have the trauma-informed, culturally-safe and easily-accessible support they need in line with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32.

Those seeking support or information now have the choice of four different options to contact 1800RESPECT; via phone, text, online chat and video call. The expansion helps empower victim-survivors to seek support via the best medium that suits their needs.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said for some people accessing 1800RESPECT via video call would provide them with the comfort of being face-to-face with a counsellor in a time where they needed support the most.

“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”.

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot emphasised the importance of continuous improvement to initiatives that support victim-survivors, including 1800RESPECT.

“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.”

Telstra Health Managing Director Elizabeth Koff AM said the expansion of 1800RESPECT service channels complements existing phone and online chat services, encouraging new users to reach out through a channel 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,” Ms Koff said.

Initially the video call service channel will operate 9am-5pm Monday to Friday (excluding national public holidays) with no appointment needed. A 24/7 delivery model for the video call service channel is planned to be delivered in the future after learnings from the initial rollout phase.

An interpreter can be arranged by 1800RESPECT to join the video call via audio if the service user is more comfortable speaking in a language other than English.

Phone, text and online chat services available through 1800RESPECT continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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 www.ntv.org.au.

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