More than 1,000 after-hours calls have been made to a specialised out-of-hours DV crisis line, a vital new support made possible by a Liberal Government funding boost.
Last year, the Liberal Government committed $1.66 million to the SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line, enabling it to operate 24/7.
Since the service was extended to 24 hours in late November, through to the end of February, a total of 1266 calls were received between the hours of 5pm and 9am.
Previously, the free and confidential state-wide hotline had only been able to afford to operate 9am to 5pm on weekdays, with calls outside of those hours diverted to a homelessness service.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Liberal Government’s funding boost had allowed more people to receive help from a team of specialised domestic violence counsellors when they need it most.
“The figures speak for themselves and the volume of after-hours calls sadly shows how crucial the need for a 24/7 service is,” said Minister Lensink.
“In January alone, there were more than 480 after-hours calls made to the crisis line.
“It is often difficult for people to make these calls. It can be hard for people to reach out for help after suffering abuse, and it can be difficult to find a time that is safe to do so.
“Family violence typically peaks around Christmas. This may be due to families over this period facing extra financial stress, increased alcohol consumption, difficult relationships with extended family, access to children in separated families or decisions about where to spend holidays.
“It is reassuring to know that people can make a call to this crisis line whenever they need to and not be confined to business hours.”
The counsellors provide immediate advice to people feeling unsafe and work one-on-one with them to create a safety plan.
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said she urged anyone in a critical situation to access the crisis line on 1800 800
