Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy : DMFS : Department of Defence

Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy

Family and domestic violence can take many forms and may be damaging psychologically, emotionally and physically for the abused person. If you find yourself in an abusive situation, seek help and/or if you are aware of another person experiencing family and domestic violence, encourage them to seek assistance.

While definitions of family and domestic violence vary, there is a general acceptance that it is an abuse of power by a partner, ex-partner or family member. It can take many forms including social isolation, emotional, physical, sexual, religious and financial abuse.

Family and domestic violence is never acceptable. Defence is committed to creating a more supportive and responsive workplace and is actively engaged in the national response addressing this issue.

A family and domestic violence working group, comprising of representatives across each of the Services and the Defence Australian Public Service, is developing and implementing a range of strategies designed to respond compassionately to victims and reduce the effects of violence on families.

The Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2017–2022 sets out the Defence’s objectives and key areas of focus and principles and aims to:

ensure the safety of those subjected to, or affected by the use of, family and domestic violence
provide those subjected to or affected by family and domestic violence with appropriate immediate supports and referral to professional services
provide Defence personnel with the skills, knowledge and confidence to identify people subjected to and affected by family and domestic violence and respond effectively to their needs
promote accurate understanding of family and domestic violence and its impact on the workplace

Download: Defence Family and Domestic Violence Strategy

Defence support for families affected by violence

For military members and their families, support and advice is available through Defence Member and Family Support, 24 hours a day. Contact the Defence Member and Family Helpline on 1800 624 608 or email memberandfamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au.

Civilian Defence personnel and their families needing support or advice can call the EAP helpline on 1300 361 008, 24 hours a day.

Other key contacts

For emergency situations that require immediate attention, call triple zero for emergency services. There are also several 24-hour telephone support services you can call for assistance:

1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault domestic family violence counselling service, providing confidential online and telephone counselling, information and referral 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1800 737 732
https://www.1800respect.org.au
Mensline Australia is a national 24-hour service for men, providing support, information or referral by telephone or online.
1300 789 978
www.mensline.org.au/
Kids Help Line is a free, and anonymous 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people 5–25 years old.
1800 551 800
www.kidshelp.com.au/
The ADF Mental Health All Hours Support Line provides mental health and wellbeing advice for ADF members and their families.
1800 628 036
Lifeline is a national 24-hour support line which provides crisis support and mental health services for the cost of a local call from landlines or free from mobiles.
131 114
www.lifeline.org.au/
1800ELDERHelp is a national free call elder abuse hotline that automatically redirects callers seeking information or advice about elder abuse to their state or territory phone line service.
1800 353 374
COMPASS is a national knowledge hub and online resource that provides information on the issue of elder abuse
www.compass.info

Defence Member and Family Support

For ADF members and their families