We’re here to help LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence. Sexual, domestic and family violence (SDFV) includes a range of harmful behaviors, such as physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse, that occur within intimate, family or household relationships.
Individual Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Support
ACON provides specialist Care Coordination and Counselling support, information and referral services to LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence. This is a short-term service that helps people to access the supports and services to build safety and improve their mental and physical wellbeing, including health, social, financial and legal support services. Support is offered face to face in Sydney, Newcastle and Lismore. It is also available via telehealth for people living across NSW.
Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Group support
ACON offer a range of groups to support people who have experienced sexual, domestic and family violence. These are offered both in person and online. For more information on our current groups, to enquire or to join a waitlist, go to Current NSW Workshops and Groups – Say It Out Loud.
Say It Out Loud
Say It Out Loud is a national resource for LGBTQ+ communities and service providers, that works to prevent and respon to sexual, domestic and family violence. The site includes information about healthy relationships, as well as information and support for people who are experiencing and using violence. Say It Out Loud contains resources for community members who want to support their friends and loved ones, and for professionals as well. The site contains a national service finder and other resources.
To find out more, please visit the Say It Out Loud website.
Report An Incident
If there is an emergency always call Triple Zero (000). If it’s not urgent, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. You can also make an anonymous call without giving your name by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Domestic Violence Liaison officers (DVLOs) have special training in working with people who are experiencing domestic and family violence. Most police stations have a DVLO. For more information click here.
Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs) are specially trained to support LGBTQ+ people. For more information on GLLOs, click here.
If you’re not happy with the service you have received from the police, the NSW Police Force has an internal complaints process. For more information, please visit the NSW Police website.
Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Support Services
To find additional services, or services outside of NSW, see Say It Out Loud’s National Service Finder here.
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
For anyone in Australia who is from the LGBTQIA+ community who has recently or in the past experienced sexual domestic or family violence. Family members, friends and supporters of someone from the LGBTQIA+ community who has experienced sexual domestic or family violence. Others who may be impacted by violence targeted toward the LGBTQIA+ community, including professionals.
1800 497 212, available 24/7
fullstop.org.au/get-help/our-services/rainbowviolenceandabusesupport
Mensline
Australian wide telephone counselling (6 sessions) and referrals for men.
1300 789 978
mensline.org.au
Inner City Legal Centre, Safe Relationships Project
Free legal advice and court support for LGBTIQ+ people experiencing DFV in NSW.
(02) 9332 1966
ICLC.org.au
Lifeline
National crisis and suicide prevention telephone counselling, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
13 11 14
lifeline.org.au
NSW Victims Services
Confidential support, free counselling, financial assistance, referral and information for all victims of DFV in NSW.
1800 633 063
Aboriginal Line: 1800 019 123
victims services.justice.nsw.gov.au
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (known as Aboriginal medical services/AMS)
ACCHS are health services initiated by Aboriginal people, based in a local Aboriginal community, which delivers a holistic and culturally appropriate health service. To find the contact details of your nearest service, click here.
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Service
Legal advice and support for a range of issues, including DFV. For all women LBTI inclusive.
1800 686 587
Wirringabaiya.org.au
RSPCA – Safe Beds for Pets
Provides temporary safe housing for pets of LGBTIQ people who are escaping domestic violence.
(02) 9782 4408
rspcansw.org.au
QLIFE
Free telephone and web-based counselling, referrals and support for LGBTQ+I people and their families.
3pm – 12am every day.
1800 184 527
QLife.org.au
Twenty10
Provide a wide range of support services across New South Wales supporting people of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities, their families and communities, including specialised services for young people (12-26), such as case management, counselling and supported accommodation. As well as information, referral and support for all ages.
(02) 8594 9555, rural free call: 1800 65 2010
Twenty10.org.au
The Gender Centre
Provides services such as counselling, accommodation, outreach and support for transgender, gender queer and gender questioning people in NSW.
(02) 9569 2366
gendercentre.org.au
InterLink
InterLink brings people together to talk about living with innate variations in sex characteristics with the support of trained counsellors and intersex peer workers
07 3017 1724
ilink.net.au
Legal Advice
Community Legal Centres (CLC) provide free legal advice, referrals and some representation to people who live and work in their area.
Community Legal Centres NSW: (02) 9212 7333
The Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) provides a state-wide specialist free legal advice service for anyone who identifies as LGBTIQ throughout NSW.
(02) 9332 1966
To find additional services, or services outside of NSW, see Say It Out Loud’s National Service Finder here.
Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Resources
Friends and Family Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to support friends and family members of people who have experienced or used sexual, domestic and family violence, to safely intervene or provide support.
Practitioner Guidelines for Inclusive and Affirming Practice
ACON’s ‘Guidelines for Inclusive and Affirming Practice’ support services to better respond to LGBTQA+ victim-survivors of sexual violence with inclusive, safe and person-centred care.
LGBTIQ+ learning lounge
eSafety have developed the LGBTIQ+ learning lounge to provide practical safety information on a range of topics including meeting online, dealing with online abuse and building resilience.
NSW Sexual Assault Service Pathway
ACON’s NSW Sexual Assault Service Pathway resource outlines what to expect when accessing support through a NSW Health Sexual Assault Service, including optional steps like medical care or reporting, with access available to everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, age or visa status.
Check out more resources on our sexual, domestic & family violence website Say It Out Loud.
