Services

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides:

1. Crisis intervention and telephone support 24 hours/ 7days a week (02) 62800 900.
2. Information and referrals for women, men and young people.
3. Facilitation of access to safe accommodation i.e. refuges, motels
4. Education in schools and in the community
5. Court support for those who have been subjected to violence.
6. Support for family and friends of those affected by domestic violence
7. Works co operatively with other agencies to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in the community.

Crisis Intervention

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service gives priority to the safety of people who have been subjected to violence and abuse. However, we work with all people who have been affected by Domestic Violence. Immediately following Police intervention in a domestic violence incident, DVCS can offer on site assistance to all parties, including those who have used violence.

When Police are called to an incident of domestic violence, they are instructed to suggest that the occupants of the home could be assisted by DVCS. Approximately 85% of people accept this suggestion. DVCS will proceed to the home to offer a range of supports including advocacy, practical assistance, access to emergency accommodation, emotional support, information and safety options.

DVCS will also arrange to meet people in a safe place following an incident if the Police are not involved.

Telephone Support

DVCS is available for telephone support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact numbers are:

Crisis Line 62 800 900 (24hrs/7days)

Admin Line 62 806 999

TTY 62 281 852

Telephone support includes:

Crisis counselling

Information, options and support

Callers can remain anonymous if desired.

Information, referral and advocacy

Safety planning

Legal and accommodation options

Referrals to refuges, medium term and longer term accommodation options

Referrals to counselling services

Advocacy with agencies including Police, ACT Housing, Centrelink, Immigration, child protection agencies

Follow up contacts after initial crisis intervention

Transport to court and appointments were needed

Organise child care

Safe accommodation

DVCS assists people subjected to violence to access safe accommodation. That accommodation includes:

1. Refuge accommodation
2. Referrals to medium and longer term housing options
3. Other types of emergency accommodation in limited circumstances

Education and information to the community

The DVCS Education Officer works with young people in high schools and colleges and with youth in the community. DVCS also provides community education, training and information for government and community agencies and a broad range of community groups.

Court Support

DVCS supports people to attend court for:

1. Applications for Domestic Violence Protection Orders in the ACT Magistrates Court
2. Witness support in Family Violence criminal matters

Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP)

DVCS is the central victim support service and is considered a key agency in the FVIP. Our role as Victim Advocacy agency means that we provide a coordinated and integrated approach for those who are victims in a family violence matter that is within the criminal justice system namely, where charges have been laid by police. DVCS will liaise with other agencies such as Australian Federal Police, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the ACT Courts to ensure the support needs of a person who has been subjected to violence and abuse are met and that their safety and the safety of their families is prioritised.

for more detailed information in relation to the Family Violence Intervention Program click here Download(30kb Word .doc)

ACCESSING OUR SERVICE:

DVCS is committed to the principles of inclusion, access and equity for all clients. We will consider any special needs when arranging to meet with you or speaking with you.

DVCS provides:

1. Access to telephone interpreters
2. Written information in a number of different languages
3. TTY for hearing impaired people
4. DVCS crisis workers can meet with people subjected to violence following a crisis incident. Crisis Workers are able to meet with clients in their homes in certain circumstances. Where this is not safe or possible, workers may meet with clients at a safe location away from the home.
5. DVCS does not have the facilities for clients to come to the DVCS office.

CONFIDENTIALITY

DVCS aims to protect the confidentiality of all people who use our service. Information is held in confidence and not disclosed to another person, agency or government organisation, except where one or more of the following applies:

1. Our client gives prior consent, either verbal or written to the release of information and such consent is acceptable to the Service.
2. There is risk of injury of harm to any person. In these circumstances DVCS may have a duty of care responsibility and therefore disclosure of information may be considered necessary to prevent that injury or harm.
3. A DVCS worker believes a child or children have been abused or at risk of injury, harm or abuse. This may include children who have witnessed domestic violence. In this case, DVCS may provide Care and Protection Services with client details and Crisis Worker/s concerns regarding the child or children.

DVCS maintains client files which detail relevant information provided to us. Those files are kept in strict confidence however in certain circumstances can be subpoenaed by the Family Court, Magistrates Court or Supreme Court.