CAS
Mental health and domestic, family and sexual violence
- People's responses to experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence differ
- There are a range of different responses a person may have when experiencing mental health issues
- It’s important for people to recognise that traumatic events can impact on their mental health, as this helps them to reach out for support
- If you have mental health concerns, there are a range of services that can provide support and help.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, support is available: call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services:
- Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat
- Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)
Understanding the impact on mental health
Experiencing violence can impact your mental wellbeing. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also include other complex issues.
When you are experiencing violence it can make it hard to deal with feelings of fear, shame and helplessness. This can increase existing mental health issues or lead to new ones.
What are the signs you can look out for?
- Having nightmares and flashbacks
- Feeling tense and scared all the time
- Avoiding places, people or feelings that remind you of the violence
- Feeling numb or hopeless
- Being cut off from family or friends
- Losing interest in things you previously enjoyed
- Experiencing tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite
- Relying on drugs or alcohol to cope.
Looking out for such signs can help you understand what you are experiencing. This can help you find the right help.
Trauma counsellors, mental health services, and other specialist services can help you.
How 1800RESPECT can help
If you have been affected by domestic, family and sexual violence and are having mental health concerns, 1800RESPECT is available for confidential information, counselling and support.
Our counsellors understand the impact that domestic, family and sexual violence can have on your mental health and are trained to respond. Our counsellors can talk you through your options and help you choose the information, people or services that will help you the most.
1800RESPECT offers:
- Counselling, referrals and help: we provide immediate help to manage the emotional and psychological effects of domestic, family and sexual violence. We also offer help in finding long-term support, including help for your mental health.
- Information and resources: we provide a range of information about mental health services, your rights, and how to stay safe so you can make your own choices.
Support services:
Find below the list of support services that can help you.
- Beyond Blue:
Beyond Blue is available 24/7 nationwide for mental health help, information and resources - Lifeline:
Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention support service for people experiencing emotional distress - Kids Helpline:
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25 - SANE
SANE is for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities. - Headstart
The Headstart website has information about local services near you that provides help for mental health.
The Service Directory on our website a list of services that can provide help if you are affected by domestic, family and sexual violence. This includes specialist services for mental health across Australia.
You can access the Service Directory here: 1800respect.org.au/services
If you are in an emergency or if you are in danger, call 000.
