Tasmanian family violence service Engender Equality is urging service providers to lead with empathy and awareness this Christmas. The call comes as Australian crime statistics and police data indicate a significant spike in family and sexual violence incidents over the holiday period.
Tasmanian family violence service, Engender Equality is calling for awareness and empathy from service providers over the Christmas holiday period when Australian crime statistics and police data show a significant rise in family and sexual violence incidents.
Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said it can be a very challenging time for victim-survivors as perpetrator’s use Christmas ‘arrangements’, particularly in relation to children, to manipulate and attempt to exert control over, threaten, and/or harass a current or former partner.
“Safe spaces such as work and school are closed, as are services that facilitate safe changeovers for parents who are experiencing post-separation abuse,” Thomas said.
“We ask that when victim-survivors reach out for help from those services there to support them – such as Police, Accident and Emergency, GPs and the courts – they feel believed, supported and protected.
“The practices and attitudes of the support systems can make an enormous difference to the safety of victim-survivors and their children”.
The following family and sexual violence support services may also be available:
| Service | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 000 | 24/7 |
| FVCSS (Family Violence Counselling Support Service) | 1800 608 122
(03) 6777 2290 South (03) 6166 0444 North-West |
9am-midnight weekdays; 4pm-midnight weekends and public holidays |
| Strong Families, Safe Kids | Free Call 1800 000 123 | – |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14 | 24/7 |
| SASS | 1800 697 877 | 24/7 |
| Laurel House | 1800 697 877 / 1800 MYSUPPORT
(03) 6334 2740 (North) (03) 6431 9711 (NW) |
24/7 |
| Safe Choices | 1800 806 189
Text 0448 046 918 (South) Text 0439 910 435 (North & NW) |
9am-5pm Monday to Friday |
| 1800 RESPECT | 1800 737 732 or Text ‘HELLO’ to 0458 737 732 | 24/7 |
| Men’s Referral Service | 1300 766 491 | 24/7 |
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