Victims of domestic violence who are renting their homes may be able to leave violent relationships without facing financial penalties under their rental agreement. The CBS provides tenancy advice for tenants and agents about all the things related to renting any property.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and live in an environment free from violence. Domestic violence victims are able to stay or leave the property, either way you will need to apply to South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) and to have the perpetrator removed from the rental agreement.
You can contact this service via email, phone or in person at CBS - 91 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.
When you contact 1800RESPECT you will speak with a trained counsellor, who will listen and support you in what feels right for your situation.
If you or someone you know requires confidential support call 1800 737 732 or use their confidential online chat service located on their website 24/7.
If you suspect you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, you can contact the Adult Safeguarding Unit:
- Call 1800 372 310
- Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (except on Public Holidays) for free, confidential advice, information, or support or to make a report to the Unit
- Email adultsafeguardingunit@sa.gov.au
- Complete the online report form.
You can make a report about any adult over the age of 18 who may be vulnerable to abuse. The Adult Safeguarding Unit is not an emergency/crisis service.
Provides supported crisis accommodation for single women and women with children escaping domestic violence.
Women are assisted with immediate needs. Bramwell House can provide a safe place to stay, Centrelink contact to establish an income, assistance with food, counselling and support. Bramwell House staff are committed to enabling women and their children, who have suffered abuse to make a new start.
Referrals to Bramwell House are accessible by calling the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098.
Centacare Catholic Family Services (Diocese of Port Pirie) provides crisis, case management and accommodation support for women and child or men and children.
Women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence including women and children who are homeless due to domestic violence and single homeless women over 18 years of age.
Emergency accommodation for women and children, including Aboriginal women and children experiencing or escaping domestic violence. Specialist children's and indigenous workers available.
Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098.
Supporting anyone affected by violence and abuse in their personal relationships. Due to the volume of calls, it is at times necessary to leave a message. Messages left will be returned. Discretion is assured. Return messages will not be left with anyone other than the original caller.
If you are:
- Living in a violent or abusive relationship and are unsure about what to do
- Wanting to leave a violent relationship
- Or are wanting to talk about what is happening to you
Can help by:
- Facilitating access to safe accommodation
- Providing telephone counselling
- Providing face to face short term counselling
- Providing information about accommodation, police, legal, housing and financial issues
- Supporting you to remain safely at home
Offering a free, confidential and state-wide service, provided by the Women's Safety Services SA.
Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) Program: Financial Assistance for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) program offers vital financial assistance to individuals over 18 who have recently experienced intimate partner violence, undergone changes in living situations, and are facing financial stress. An intimate partner is defined as someone with whom you have had a romantic relationship, including spouses, partners, boyfriends, or girlfriends. This encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and economic.
If you've recently left or plan to leave a violent intimate partner and are struggling financially to ensure your safety, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial aid. This assistance includes up to $1,500 in cash or cash equivalents based on your needs, up to $3,500 in goods and services such as removalists or essentials for a new home, and time-limited support, including casework and assistance in accessing support services and pathways. The payment is personalized to meet your specific needs.
To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a protected special category visa living in Australia, be 18 years or older, experiencing financial stress, and have not accessed EVP in the last 12 months. Additionally, you must have changed or be planning to change your living arrangements due to intimate partner violence within the last 12 weeks.
To access the payment, you can apply directly yourself via the Uniting website or seek assistance from a support worker. If you're currently experiencing intimate partner or family violence and need immediate support or advice, you can call 1800 RESPECT or the 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098. In case of emergency, dial 000.
The EVP program aims to provide essential support and assistance to individuals affected by intimate partner violence, ensuring their safety and well-being during challenging times.
The Family Advocacy and Support Service (FASS) provides duty lawyer and social support services to people with family law matters who have been affected by family violence. The Legal Services Commission of SA also has duty lawyers at the Family Law Courts able to assist in matters where the person is not affected by family violence.
Duty lawyers can:
- Provide family law advice about your Court hearing and/or legal problem
- Help with adjournments – generally limited to adjournments of the first court appearance
- Help with Legal Aid applications
- Provide referrals to private practitioners and other services
Duty lawyers cannot:
- Prepare complex court documents, e.g. applications/responses and affidavits
- Represent you for interim hearings, contravention applications and final hearings (trials)
- Provide specific legal advice or representation in Court if there is a conflict of interest (for example, if the other party or a child is represented, or has previously been represented, by a Legal Services Commission lawyer). In such cases the duty lawyer will provide general information only.
- Provide specific legal advice regarding property settlements (only general information and advice)
- Assist with Youth Court (care and protection) matters
A Social Worker, located at the Family Law Courts, can help you engage with the family law processes safely and help you with safety planning.
The social worker can connect with all the relevant services that you need, such as accommodation, financial counselling, and other social support.