1800RESPECT welcomes findings in new report on family, domestic and sexual violence

1800RESPECT welcomes findings in Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report.

Today 1800RESPECT welcomes the findings in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report titled Family, domestic and sexual violence: continuing the national story, 2019.

The findings are consistent with the contacts to 1800RESPECT—the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

The report shows an increase in the number of people accessing services due to family, domestic and sexual violence. This is representive of 1800RESPECT's contact volume, which has seen the number of people accessing the service increase by 62% over the past year.

Violence is not limited to gender, it affects all people of all ages and it is not acceptable in any circumstance.

1800RESPECT Managing Director Nicole McMahon said: “We know that the most common type of violence reported to us is emotional violence, followed by verbal abuse, physical violence, sexual violence and financial abuse."

“The majority of people who contact 1800RESPECT are women, but we’re also listening, supporting and providing advice to children and men who are impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.”

Family, domestic and sexual violence can take many forms, including physical and sexual violence emotional abuse, or attempts to control another person’s behaviour.

People with disability are more likely to experience physical violence and emotional abuse from a partner and more likely to experience sexual violence and sexual harassment, compared with people without disability.

1800RESPECT recently launched the Sunny app—co-developed with Women with Disabilities Australia as well as a group of women with disability. It supports people with disability to better understand what violence and to reach out for support when they are ready. The Sunny app received a merit award in the recent Victorian iAwards.

1800RESPECT is focused on at-risk groups and works closely with a National Sector Advisory Group to bring together family, domestic and sexual violence experts with knowledge and experience in:

• family law matters
• issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• same sex relationships
• rural and remote areas
• people with disability.

“We’re working hard to ensure that all Australians who are impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence have access to 1800RESPECT,” said Ms McMahon.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.