Did you know that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) can provide support if you or your family are experiencing family or domestic violence?
Family and domestic violence can affect anyone, including veterans, current ADF members and their families. If you or someone you care about is experiencing violence, abuse, controlling behaviour or feels unsafe at home, you don’t have to deal with it alone.
DVA provides access to a range of support services, including counselling, financial assistance and practical support for eligible veterans and families.
What Support is Available Through DVA?
DVA’s support can include counselling, short-term accommodation, payments and other assistance depending on your circumstances. Eligibility requirements apply to some services and payments, so it is important to speak with DVA or the relevant support service about your individual situation.
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides free and confidential counselling and mental health support for current and former ADF members, veterans and their families.
Open Arms is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 011 046. If appropriate, counsellors can also help connect you with other support services, including specialist family and domestic violence services.
You don’t need to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out. Sometimes having someone to talk to can be the first step towards understanding what support is available.
Safe Zone Support
For veterans and ADF members who would prefer to remain anonymous, Safe Zone Support provides free and anonymous counselling.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 142 072. You don’t have to provide your name or details about when or where you served, and you can decide how much personal information you want to share.
DVA Crisis Payment
Financial pressure can be another major concern when someone needs to leave their home or separate from an abusive situation.
Eligible people experiencing severe financial hardship may be able to access a DVA Crisis Payment in certain family and domestic violence circumstances.
For example, eligibility may apply where someone remains living in the family home after experiencing domestic or family violence and the perpetrator has left or been removed. Other eligibility requirements also apply.
Importantly, a Crisis Payment is not automatically available simply because someone is experiencing domestic violence. DVA assesses eligibility based on the circumstances and relevant payment requirements.
If you think you may be eligible, contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) to discuss your circumstances.
Acute Support Package
The Defence, Veterans’ and Families’ Acute Support Package provides short-term, flexible support to eligible veterans and veteran families experiencing new and challenging circumstances that may result in a family crisis.
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, the program can provide practical support to help a family adjust and regain stability.
The Acute Support Package is not an emergency response service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
You Can Also Access Support Outside DVA
DVA is not the only organisation available to help.
1800RESPECT is Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. It can be contacted on 1800 737 732.
MensLine Australia provides free telephone and online counselling for Australian men experiencing relationship or family concerns. DVA lists MensLine as an additional support service for people who need help.
For current and former ADF members and their families, Open Arms can also provide specialist support with an understanding of military culture.
If you are experiencing sexual misconduct connected to military service, SeMPRO (Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office) provides immediate and confidential support and information.
What should you do if you need help?
The most important thing is to seek support early.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before making a call. Whether you need someone to talk to, financial assistance, help finding somewhere safe to stay or information about what support you may be eligible for, there are services available.
At Apex Financial Services Group, we understand that financial circumstances can become particularly complicated during periods of major life change. While we don’t provide crisis or domestic violence support, we can help veterans and their families understand their broader financial position and how changes in circumstances may affect their financial plans.
The first step is simply finding the right support for your situation.
Important contacts
- Emergency: Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- Open Arms: 1800 011 046 — free, confidential support 24/7.
- Safe Zone Support: 1800 142 072 — free, anonymous counselling 24/7.
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — domestic, family and sexual violence support.
- DVA: 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) — for information about DVA payments and support.
Eligibility criteria apply to some DVA payments and programs. Information in this article is general in nature and should not be relied upon as personal financial or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DVA help with family and domestic violence?
Yes. DVA provides a range of support for eligible veterans and families experiencing family and domestic violence. This can include counselling, payments, accommodation and other forms of practical assistance.
Does DVA provide financial assistance for domestic violence?
Potentially. An eligible person experiencing severe financial hardship may qualify for a DVA Crisis Payment in certain domestic or family violence circumstances. Specific eligibility requirements apply.
What is the DVA Crisis Payment?
The DVA Crisis Payment is a one-off payment that may be available to eligible people experiencing certain crisis situations, including specific domestic and family violence circumstances. Applications generally need to be made within 7 days of the relevant situation occurring.
What is the Acute Support Package?
The Acute Support Package provides short-term, flexible assistance to eligible veterans and veteran families experiencing new and challenging circumstances that may result in a family crisis.
Is Open Arms available 24/7?
Yes. Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 011 046.
Can I speak to someone anonymously?
Yes. Safe Zone Support is a free and anonymous counselling service available 24/7 on 1800 142 072. You can choose how much personal information you provide.
What if I am in immediate danger?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. DVA also recommends contacting emergency and crisis support services where appropriate.
Can Apex Financial Services Group help with my DVA benefits?
Apex Financial Services Group specialises in financial advice for veterans and ADF members, including DVA-related financial matters. We can help you understand your broader financial position and how your benefits and financial decisions may fit into your overall plan. However, crisis and domestic violence support should be sought through DVA and the specialist services listed above.