Practical help for victims of family violenceThe safety of you and your children is the most important thing to consider if you are experiencing family violence. The How to help someone experiencing family violence section provides general information on offering support to victims of family violence. The section Pathways: How women leave violent men describes how some Tasmanian women have left their violent partners and identifies common critical success factors to their leaving. If you are a victim of family violence follow the links to see what services are available to assist you: Emergency optionsTasmania Police - ring 000 in all emergency situations The introduction of the Safe at Home criminal justice response to family violence has seen an increased role for Police in family violence incidents. Police have undergone extensive family violence training. The first Victim Safety Response Teams were introduced on 1 September 2004. Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line - 1800 633 937 The line, which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays, offers an information and referral service by which callers are able to access the full range of response, counselling, information and other support services provided by Safe at Home on a 24 hour basis. The Family Violence Response and Referral Line is staffed by experienced operators who have been trained to respond appropriately and sensitively to victims and others affected by family violence. Consistent with the aims of Safe at Home, safety assessment of all calls underpins the operation of the line. If victim safety is at risk or in question, the call will be transferred to the police radio dispatch area for an immediate police response. If victim safety is not at risk or in question, the call will be actively transferred to an appropriate counselling or support service for further assistance. In all emergencies ring 000.  Women's sheltersThere are a number of women's shelters located throughout Tasmania, as well as short term emergency accommodation for victims of family violence. Women's shelters in Tasmania include:
Legal optionsFamily Violence OrdersA Family Violence Order (FVO) is a court order that may restrict contact between people or impose conditions on their behaviour. Family Violence Orders are a civil matter, not a criminal charge. The person who applies for the FVO is known as the Applicant and the person who is to be restrained is known as the Respondent. The Police, Legal Aid Commission and Court Support and Liaison Service can assist you in obtaining a Family Violence Order. Court Support and Liaison Services: A Service for Victims of Family Violence (A Safe at Home program) - 1300 663 773 (toll free) Dedicated Court Support Officers are available to provide support to victims (including referral to appropriate counselling and other services) and to guide them through the justice system during and after Court appearances. The Court Support Officer will provide information about the Court system including:
In cooperation with Legal Aid the Court Support Officer will provide practical and emotional support by:
These services are free and confidential and are provided by the Victims Assistance Unit, Department of Justice. Legal Aid Commission of TasmaniaThe Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania seeks to increase access to legal and social justice for all Tasmanians by the provision of representation, advice and education of legal issues in an effective, efficient and economic manner. Telephone Advice Service - 1300 366 611 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Everyone can receive free legal advice from the Tasmanian Legal Aid telephone advice service. Clinic Advice Service Hobart - Monday to Friday 12.45 to 1.30pm Launceston - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12.00 to 1.30pm Devonport - Tuesday and Thursday 1.00 to 2.00pm Burnie - Tuesday and Thursday 12.30 to 1.30pm
Victims of crime servicesVictims Support Service - 1300 663 773 (Toll free) The Victims Assistance Unit is dedicated to victims of crime. The unit:
Victims of Crime Service - 1300 300 238 (toll free 24 hours) The Victims of Crime Service:
Counselling services for victims of family violenceThere are a number of counselling services for victims of family violence in Tasmania. A complete listing can be found in the family violence services section. Key counselling services include: Support, Help, Empowerment (S.H.E.) Phone: 03 6278 9090 A confidential free service for women who have suffered or are suffering abuse in intimate relationships. Available to all women. Huon Domestic Violence Service (HDVS) Phone: 03 6264 222 The HDVS is a free and confidential service funded to address the issue of Domestic Violence in the Huon Valley. Yemaya Women's Support Service (formerly Survivors) Phone: 03 6334 0305 A post-crisis counselling service providing medium to long term support for women who are in, or have experienced, abusive/violent relationships. Relationships Abuse of an Intimate Nature (R.A.I.N) Phone: 03 6431 8804 (Burnie) RAIN provides information, counselling and support to women, men and children experiencing violence within intimate relationships.
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