Don’t be afraid to reach out for help at any time

AUSTRALIANS experiencing violence may actually be less likely to seek support on public holidays according to data from 1800RESPECT, the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

With reported incidences of domestic violence increasing over the holiday season, 1800RESPECT has seen the overall number of Australians seeking support in December rise by 26 per cent.

Yet despite that seasonal rise, on Christmas Days the number of Australians needing assistance has been shown to be 60 per cent lower than average.

1800RESPECT program specialist Inez Carey says there are many factors that impact on people’s ability to reach out for support on seasonal holidays.

“On Christmas Day there is a lot of pressure to have a fun, spend time with family and friends and share good times which may delay people from reaching out,” Ms Carey said.

“People may also not feel safe to ask for support if the person who is using violence is at home or nearby.

“We often see an increase in people seeking support after the main holidays, like the day after Christmas or New Year’s Day.

“If you don’t feel safe to make a phone call, you can speak directly with a 1800RESPECT counsellor through an online chat counselling or seek information through the Daisy app,” she said.

1800RESPECT counsellors are available 24/7, including public holidays and can be reached by calling 1800 737 732 or online chat on the 1800RESPECT website.

The Daisy app is also available for download, providing information and access to the contact details of local support services.

Of the more than 70,000 contacts to 1800RESPECT each year, about 10 per cent are via the online chat platform.

More Australians are reaching out than ever with the 1800RESPECT website seeing a 10 per cent increase in the number of visitors over 12 months with nearly a quarter of a million people (248,000) visiting the website to access, information, referrals and/or online counselling.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, please call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency, call 000.

JULIET WILLIAMS, 1800RESPECT