The Department of Social Services is rolling extra measures out to ensure people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know where to get help during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Ministers for Women, Senator Marise Payne, and Families and Social Services, Senator Anne Ruston, said a new Help is Here campaign was to be launched and advertised across television, digital, social media, radio, magazines and newspapers as well as in shopping centres, hospitals and GP surgeries.
The Ministers said the campaign had two clear messages:- Help is Here and tough times do not excuse tougher times at home.
“For many weeks, Australians have been heeding the Government’s call to stay at home to control the spread of COVID-19,” Senator Payne said.
“However, for many women and children, home is not a safe place to be.
“We want all Australians to know, including those at risk of using violence, there is free and confidential help available at all hours, every day.”
She said support and advice would also be available for family and friends of those experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
The Ministers said the new awareness campaign would promote 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 increased demand.
Senator Ruston said the new campaign would direct women and men to trained counsellors with whom they could talk confidentially via online chat or phone.
“The campaign also delivers the strong message that violence and abuse are never acceptable, no matter the circumstances,” Senator Ruston said.
“Increased stresses at a time like this are known and understandable but they are not an excuse for causing physical or psychological harm,” she said.
“It is important that both women and men know they can access help online and by phone at any time of the day or night.”
The Ministers said that since the Coronavirus pandemic began, more than 15 per cent of contacts for MensLine Australia had been COVID-19 specific and 1800RESPECT reported an 11 per cent increase in people accessing support when compared with the same time last year.
Further information about the new campaign can be accessed at this PS News link.
