How can I get help during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are experiencing a domestic or family violence crisis and your safety is at imminent risk, contact SA Police on 000. If you require support for domestic or family violence, please call (08) 8628 7600 and a support worker will help you.

Family Support Workers are available during office hours Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. After Hours call the on-call number: 0400 879 541.

Services available to you and your family

The Ceduna Domestic Violence & Aboriginal Family Violence Service can provide:

• Counselling to women and children.
• Information on restraining orders or pressing charges – legal services.
• 24-hour on-call service.
• Safety plans for you and your children.
• Assistance with emergency, short, medium, long term accommodation for you and your children.
• Domestic and family violence support groups.
• Information and links to other services.

Domestic & Family Violence Support workers will work with you to make sure you have the support and services you need. They will listen to you. They can give you information on what you can do and help you decide on your choices.

Centacare is able to assist with all areas of life including: financial, counselling, parenting, developing self-esteem, working through trauma, and grief.

What is Domestic Violence?

Many people believe domestic violence is centered around physical violence because it is obvious, but it is not always the case. There are many other forms of domestic violence which may include verbal abuse, financial abuse, social abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault and psychological abuse.

Domestic violence can include:

• punching, beating, kicking, hair pulling, smothering, pushing, shaking, slapping or strangling the victim;
• holding the victim against their will;
• damaging property, throwing or breaking objects;
• harming pets;
• humiliation and erosion of confidence;
• threatening and yelling;
• rape, demanding sex or forcing the victim to have sex;
• isolating the victim and preventing interests outside the relationship;
• controlling who the victim speaks to and isolating from family and friends;
• constant criticism of family and friends;
• continually checking up by calling the phone, checking emails, checking mail and going through the victim’s mobile phone;
• preventing religious commitments and belittling beliefs and values;
• subjecting the victim to mind games and irrational behaviours;
• blaming the victim for everything, including moods and behaviours;
• using silence as a weapon;
• ensures the victim and family are reliant on them for money; and/or
• preventing the victim from working or taking her money from the victim.