Tough times don’t excuse tougher times at home: that’s the message from the Federal Government as Covid-19 restrictions bring a heightening of violence within people’s homes.  

A new Help is Here campaign is now being rolled out to make sure people know that there is free, confidential help available for anyone experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.

The campaign will include advertising across television, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers as well as in shopping centres, hospitals and GP surgeries.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, calls to helpline numbers have increased - and many of the calls have been coronavirus specific.

More than 15% of contacts for the MensLine Australia number have been Covid-19 specific. 

The help number 1800RESPECT has also seen an 11% increase in people accessing support compared with the same time last year.

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said “for many women and children, home is not a safe place to be”.

“For many weeks, Australians have been heeding the Government’s call to stay at home to control the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Hogan said.

“I want our community to know, including those at risk of using violence, there is free and confidential help available at all hours, every day.

“Increased stresses at a time like this are understandable, but they are not an excuse for causing physical or psychological harm.

“You can get help and talk directly and confidentially with trained counsellors via online chat or phone.”

The new Help is Here awareness campaign promotes the two national helplines - 1800RESPECT and MensLine Australia, as part of the Federal Government’s $150 million Domestic Violence Support Package to help support services meet demand during these unprecedented times.

Further information is available at http://www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 1800respect.org.au or MensLine Australia (1300 789 978) mensline.org.au