We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia as the traditional owners of the lands we live and work on.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present who continue to hold and carry deep connections to Country, culture, community and story. Sovereignty has never ceded.

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Privacy and confidentiality

DVCS is committed to clients' privacy and confidentiality. We understand that the ability to trust that personal information is treated with care and respect is extremely important to people who have or are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

The only exceptions to the right to privacy and confidentiality are:

  • To ensure safety: Where there is a serious risk of harm to you, another person ora child or vulnerable adult, DVCS has duty of care obligations and may disclose information to ensure safety and prevent serious negative outcomes.
  • To comply with the law: There are times when DVCS is required by law to disclose information such as through a court order or subpoena.

Where DVCS is required to share information about you:

  • We will try to talk to you before disclosing any information.
  • We will only share information that is necessary (to ensure safety or to satisfy the legal request).
  • We will have as much regard as possible for how you would want your information used and protected.

Requesting access to your personal information

DVCS recognises the rights of individuals to access the personal information recorded about them. We are committed to providing access to the information in the way an individual requests it wherever it is practical to do so. Our typical process is to copy a file, scan, and email it to the client or their nominated counsellor, lawyer or support person (after the provision of written authorisation).

In accordance with legislation, DVCS recognises that it must provide the information requested within 30 days of the request being made.

Please note that the provision of files can be quite an involved process which includes having to go through a range of file sources, removing any references to third parties, considering any safety concerns that could arise, photocopying documents and ensuring that all information is in order and correct. We aim to provide information as soon as possible.

Process

  1. A person requests access to their personal information (their file). This can be done by contacting us via:
    • Email at admin@dvcs.org.au
    • Post at PO Box 1922, Fyshwick 2609
    • Phone on 02 6280 6999 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
    • speaking with any DVCS staff member.  
  2. DVCS will discuss the request with the person, including how they wish to receive the information.
  3. DVCS will advise that reading a personal file can cause distress and will discuss and help prepare a support plan.
  4. DVCS will process the request and provide the information within 30 days.

Contact us anonymously

DVCS understands that you may wish to call us anonymously for information or advice. You can block your phone number display in a number of ways. The easiest way is to change your phone's Caller ID settings.

Changing iPhone settings:

Video instructions

Written instructions

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone.
  2. Tap Show My Caller ID.
  3. Toggle the switch to off (white).

Changing Android settings:

Video instructions

Written instructions

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three dots/lines (menu icon) and select Settings.
  3. Tap Calls or Supplementary services > Additional settings (if needed).
  4. Tap Caller ID and select Hide number.

Note: There are many Android devices and your settings may look slightly different.

Additional information

  • Even where you have blocked the display of your number, both your phone carrier service and emergency services will always see your actual number.
  • If you decide later that information you provided in an anonymous call is important to have on your file, we can locate (via the date and time of the anonymous call) and link it to your file.

For more information on digital safety and privacy, please see:

Talk to someone

Call our 24/7 crisis phone line on 02 62 800 900 if you need support. If it is an emergency or someone is in critical danger call 000.

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