Help & Advice | Eastern Region Domestic Violence Services Network Inc. (Koolkuna)

If you’re in immediate danger call: POLICE 000

For non-emergencies call: POLICE 131 444

I need help What does a healthy relationship look like? Signs of an abusive relationship? Abuse For Women For young people For Mothers

I need help

Reaching out for help and talking to someone can be difficult. You may feel ashamed, overwhelmed or don’t know what to do or where to start? You may want to stay in the relationship but just want the abuse to stop?

There are many confidential ways you can get advice or assistance based on your own personal circumstances. Some of the following contact numbers and services may be helpful for you:

Domestic Violence Phone Support Services (24/7)

There are a range of helplines available for confidential support and information for those experiencing domestic violence.

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline - 08 9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 330

The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline is a state (Western Australia) wide 24 hour service. This service provides support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence. This includes phone counselling, information and advice, referral to local advocacy and support servictes, liaison with police if necessary and support in escaping situations of family and domestic violence. The service can refer women to safe accommodation if required. A telephone based interpreting service is available if required.

Men’s Domestic Violence Help Line - 9223 1199 or free call 1800 000 599

MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns.

Kid’s Helpline - Free call 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 Confidential information, counselling and support service Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse

1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732

Confidential information, counselling and support service
Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse

Free Domestic Violence Support Services (in person)

Koolkuna provide a range of services for support and information for those experiencing domestic violence.

Koolkuna Domestic Violence Advocacy Support Service (DVAS) - 08 9274 7545

DVAS is a free service, based in Midland. Our staff understand the issues relating to domestic and family violence. We can support you to find ways to keep your family safe. We can provide information, advocate for you and/or refer you to other suitable services where appropriate. In addition, we may be able to support you to make appointments, help with police statements, talk to solicitors and if needed provide assistance with Violence Restraining Orders.

Koolkuna Supported Housing and Outreach Service - 08 9250 5077

Our free Supported Housing and Outreach service helps women experiencing family and domestic violence to rebuild their lives. We can help you gain independence, stability and future safety. We provide support to manage your individual needs, as well as social and leisure activities to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.

Legal & Court Support Services

Midlas - 08 9250 2123

www.midlas.org.au
Midland Information Debt and Legal Advocacy Service Inc (Midlas) is a not-for-profit community agency based in Midland that provides financial counselling, tenancy advocacy, disability advocacy and a limited legal service to people throughout the north east region of Perth. Supporting people in our community for over three decades, Midlas has a long-standing strong commitment to improving lives.

Legal Aid - 1300 650 579

https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/get-legal-help
Legal Aid WA offers free or low-cost legal services to the community. We can help if you have questions about the law, if you are going to court, or if you need advice on a legal problem.

Midland Family Violence Service - (08) 9250 0229

Midland Court, 24 Spring Park Road Midland WA 6056
For assistance with completing and lodging Violence Restraining Orders, Family Violence Orders and Misconduct Orders the Midland Family Violence Service can assist you.

Victim Support Service - 9425 2850

https://courts.justice.wa.gov.au/_files/VSS_Victim_Support_Service.pdf
The Victim Support Service offers confidential counselling and support services to victims of crime. These services are provided by professional counsellors and trained volunteers.

The Victim Support Service can:

provide information on the status of police investigations
provide information about court proceedings
help write a victim impact statement
provide counselling and support
support victims during court proceedings
provide information and referrals for other services
help you understand your rights within the criminal justice system
help with enquiries about criminal injuries compensation claims.

Financial Support Services

Centrelink

For contact number that best reflects your circumstance refer to the following links:
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/contact-us/phone-us#centrelink
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink

We support people affected by family and domestic violence by providing information, resources and referrals.

Housing Support Services

Indigo Junction - (08) 9274 5382

https://indigojunction.org.au/
53 Great Northern Hwy, Midland, WA 6056
Indigo Junction is a not-for-profit organisation providing homelessness services to youth, families and the local community in the north-eastern suburbs of Perth.

Housing Authority - 1800 093 325

The Housing Authority is an affordable housing provider involved in land development, housing construction and property management. The Housing Authority contributes to social and economic growth by:

delivering quality housing that people can afford, and
providing people with opportunities to prosper through homeownership.

Sexual Support Services

SARC - 1800 199 888 or 6458 1828

The Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) is the emergency sexual assault (rape crisis) service for Perth, Western Australia. SARC also provides counselling in centres across the Perth metropolitan area to people who have experienced sexual assault (rape) and sexual abuse in the past. SARC is a free confidential service. It is NOT part of the police, however SARC will support a person's decision to involve the police.

Medical Support Services

Local GP’s list

https://healthengine.com.au/find/gp/Perth/

Local hospital list

https://www.myhospitals.gov.au/search?filter=hospital&q=perth

Counselling Support Services

Midland Women’s Health Care Place - 08 9250 2221

MWHCP provides counselling services for women of all ages from 16 and upwards. MWHCP short term, one on one therapeutic counselling service is charged at approximately 5% of commercial cost.

To search for counselling services close to you click on the link https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/getting-help/counselling/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services

Derbal Yerrigan - 08 9374 1400

http://www.dyhs.org.au/index.php/our-clinics/midland
6 Centennial Place Midland WA 6056
Derbal Yerrigan provides holistic and culturally secure health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in the Perth metropolitan region

Aboriginal Legal Service - 08 9265 6666

7 Aberdeen Street Perth WA 6004 (near McIver Train Station)
ALSWA provides legal aid services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Western Australia.

Djinda Service - 6164 0650

Level 1, 156 Railway Pde, West Leederville WA 6007
Djinda Service provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children in the Perth metropolitan area affected by family violence and/or sexual assault. Djinda are Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women, mothers and sisters who care about the future of Aboriginal communities. we provide advocacy, referrals and support to a range of services including:

Legal
Counselling
Crisis accommodation

Djinda Service can provide lawyers to represent victims of family violence in court, and legal advice in regard to:

Restraining orders
Child protection
Victims’ compensation where it relates to family violence
Family law, including payment of child support
We can provide community education in identifying and responding to family violence.

Wungening Aboriginal Corporation - 9221 1411

211 Royal Street, East Perth WA 6004
Wungening Services respond to clients’ needs by assessing holistically and providing culturally appropriate services. Services include:

Alcohol and other drug support;
Counselling;
In-home support services;

Other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services can be found in:
Ruah’s Aboriginal Resources Directory https://view.publitas.com/ruah-community-services-1/ard_2018_v1/page/1

Non-English Speaking Services

Most services have Interpreters available. For services specific to the needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds see below:

ISHAR Multicultural Services - (08) 9249 3646

https://www.ishar.org.au/
Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Centre encourages the health and wellbeing of women of all ages and from all cultural backgrounds. Ishar’s service delivery aims to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the participating women who are provided with information, referral, counselling, training and/or support.

The Humanitarian Group - 6148 3600

https://thehumanitariangroup.org.au/
The Humanitarian Group is a not-for-profit organisation, focused on empowering vulnerable people by providing professional and accessible migration assistance, legal advice and education. We strive to do this in a way that embraces diversity and strengthens communities. We are the only organisation of our type in Western Australia.

What does a healthy relationship look like?

Relationships can be difficult and aren’t always perfect. There are certainly times when your relationship can be healthier. However when we consider what does a healthy relationship look like it can

Do you both seek mutually satisfying resolutions to conflict?
Do you discuss problems and accept change?
Are you both willing to compromise
Are you both emotionally affirming, do you value opinions?
Do you respect each other’s rights to feelings, friends, activities and opinions?
Do you have shared responsibility? – mutual agreement of fair distribution of work
Do you make decisions together?
Do you have mutual respect for each other?
Are you honest with each other?
Do you trust and support each other?
Do you both show non-threatening behaviour towards each other?
Do you share responsible parenting? – being a positive role model for children
Do you have an economic partnership? – making financial decisions together where both benefit

Signs of an abusive relationship?

There are many signs of abuse some of which can happen over an extended period of time. Abuse can be difficult to recognise and come in many forms some can include:

Signs of social abuse

You’re only allowed to socialise with people your partner approves of.

You’re stopped from contacting family, friends or support services.
You must tell your partner where you’re going, where you’ve been, who you’re seeing, or who you’ve seen.
Your location is monitored by phone calls or text messages. Your car odometer might be checked.
Your partner checks your phone bill to see who you’ve had contact with.
You might be followed or stalked.

Signs of financial abuse

Being frequently criticised, humiliated or undermined.

Being ridiculed for expressing yourself.
Becoming more isolated from family, friends and groups.
Being blamed for your partner’s behaviour.
Feeling doubt, confusion or uncertainty. You may feel like you’re going ‘crazy’.
Being afraid of your partner.

Signs of physical abuse

Being frequently criticised, humiliated or undermined.

Pulling hair, clothing.
Spitting, gouging, pinching.
Pushing, shoving, tripping up.
Kicking, elbowing, arm twisting.
Slapping, hitting, scratching.
Burning, scalding.
Punching, choking, biting.
Chasing, stalking, kidnapping.
Dragging a person.
Restricting a person’s movement or blocking their way.
Forcing a person to sit, stand or lay down.
Throwing an object at or hitting a person with an object.

White Ribbon has a short video which looks at the signs of an abusive relationship.

If you feel you are experiencing abuse see contact numbers for support

Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Type of Sexual Abuse

rape
deliberately causing pain during sex
assaulting the genitals
forced sex without protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
forcing someone to perform sexual acts
using sexually degrading insults
unwanted touching
unwanted exposure to pornography
sexual jokes
withholding sex as punishment
using sex to coerce compliance

Consent

Consent is key to healthy sexual experiences. Always have sex with consent. Do not pressure your partner into having sex or performing sexual acts they do not agree to.

Do not ignore someone if they say “No” or seem reluctant. Your partner always has the right to say “No” even if you are married or living together. Silence does not mean she agrees. Importantly, if someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they cannot consent.

Image-based abuse is when someone shares, or threatens to share, intimate photos without the consent of the person in the photo.

Image-based abuse

Includes photos or videos of:

A nude person
A person whose breasts or genitals are visible
A person engaged in a sex act
A person showering or bathing
‘Upskirting’ and ‘downblousing’: taking photos up someone’s skirt or down their top
A person’s face digitally added to a pornographic or sexualised image.

It includes images that were taken with and without a person’s consent.

Language matters – Beyond ‘revenge porn’:

You may have heard this type of abuse described as ‘revenge porn’. This term does not adequately capture the nature and causes of this type of abuse. The term ‘revenge porn’:

Implies the perpetrator is a former partner that has been wronged – perpetrators have various motivations and may
not even know the victim.
Implies that the victim has done something wrong and deserves revenge – no one deserves to experience this form of abuse.
Likens the images to legal, commercial pornography – these images are not necessarily used for sexual gratification
but can be used to ridicule a person’s body type or objectify them.

What to do if you or someone you know is experiencing image-based abuse:

If you are in an abusive relationship, you can find help now.

You could also:

Report it to the eSafety office (if the victim is aged under 18 years).
Report it to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN), who can investigate your report and may refer it to the Police (if the victim is aged over 18 years).
Report it to Police.
Contact the website administrator and ask them to remove the content.
If you feel safe and able to do so, you can ask the perpetrator to delete copies of the images.

Elder Abuse

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is abusive behaviour in a relationship with an an older person. It can include financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or sexual abuse, as well as controlling behaviours like social isolation or gaslighting. It can also include intentional and unintentional neglect ^[1] .

Older people with a disability or who need assistance with daily tasks are often targets for perpetrators of elder abuse ^[2].

The World Health Organisation defines an elder abuse as “a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” The abuser may be a son, daughter, grandchild, partner, other family member, friend or paid carer.

Elders in Australia can be classified into three categories:

Those living in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Those living at home with the support of carers
Those living at home with extended family members.

The older person may be dependent on the abuser, for example relying on the abuser for care. It is also common for the abuser to depend on the support of the older person such as for financial support or accommodation.

Examples of elder abuse

frightening someone by threatening to hurt a pet or break belongings
intimidating, humiliating, or harassing a person
threatening to evict someone or put them in a nursing home
stopping a person from seeing family or friends
denying someone the right to make their own decisions
pension skimming
selling someone’s belongings without permission
misusing an Enduring Power of Attorney by taking money or property improperly
forcing a person to change their will
denying someone access or control of their own funds
not allowing services to help someone
neglecting a person’s physical, medical or emotional needs
slapping, hitting, pushing or restraining
making unwanted sexual approaches or behaving indecently. ^[3]

Signs that someone is experiencing elder abuse

The signs of elder abuse can be difficult to detect as they could be mistaken for signs associated with illness or ageing. The following are signs that may indicate an older person is experiencing abuse:

Large withdrawals from the bank and/or changes to wills
Unexplained disappearance of belongings
Depression
Confusion
Social isolation
Injuries that have not been cared for
Unexplained weight loss, malnutrition
Poor personal hygiene
Internal or external injuries
Unexplained Sexually Transmitted Dieseases or incontinence
Anxiety around the perpetrator.

The Elder Abuse Helpline has more information on signs of elder abuse and perpetrator behaviours.

White Ribbon has a short video which looks at the signs of an abusive relationship.

If you feel you are experiencing abuse see contact numbers for support

For Women

For women

Many Australian women live with someone who has been violent or abusive towards them.

Although domestic and family violence can happen to anyone, the evidence shows that in the majority of cases in Australia are violence perpetrated by men to women.

On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.

Bryant, W. & Bricknall, S. (2017)
Homicide in Australia 2012-2014: National Homicide Monitoring Program report. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology

Retrieved from: https://aic.gov.au/publications/sr/sr002

1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2017)
(2017). Personal Safety Survey 2016. ABS cat. no. 4906.0. Canberra: ABS

Retrieved from:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4906.0

85% of Australian women have been sexually harassed.

AHRC (2018)
Everyone’s business: 4th national survey on sexual harassment in Australian workplaces.

Retrieved from: https://whiteribbon.org/2Ea7Q6C

Services that may help Click Here

For young people

Relationships can be difficult and they are not always perfect but it is important to understand what a healthy relationship looks like.

The basic rule for working about if a relationship is healthy is when, you and your boyfriend/girlfriend feel good about the relationship most of the time. A healthy relationship makes you both feel good about yourselves.

There are times when relationships aren’t working so well and that’s ok. However, if we look at what a healthy relationship looks like it is made up of respect, trust, honesty, equality and good communication.

Ask yourself the following questions which may help you determine if you have a healthy relationship.

What constitutes a healthy relationship?

Respect

Do you listen to each other?

Do you treat each other like friends?

Are you proud of each other?

Are you kind to each other?

Trust

Are you both ok with spending time apart from each other?

Do you feel secure about the relationship?

Honesty

Do you both admit when you’re wrong?

Do you both feel like you can tell the truth?

Do you talk openly about your feelings, even when it’s hard?

Equality

Do you both get to make decisions about your relationship and how you spend your time?

Do you give and take equally?

Do you both compromise?

Good Communication

Do you talk about your feelings with each other?

Can you disagree about something without disrespecting each other?

Do you listen to each other without judging?

Warning signs your relationship isn’t healthy??

When a boyfriend or girlfriend uses verbal insults, mean language, nasty putdowns, gets physical by hitting or slapping, or forces someone into sexual activity, it’s a sign of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.

Ask yourself, does my boyfriend or girlfriend:

Get angry when I don’t drop everything for him or her?
Criticize the way I look or dress, and say I’ll never be able to find anyone else who would date me?
Keep me from seeing friends or from talking to other guys or girls?
Want me to quit an activity eg. Sport or something important to you, even though I love it?
Ever raise a hand when angry, like he or she is about to hit me?
Try to force me to go further sexually than I want to?

These aren’t the only questions you can ask yourself. When you think about your relationship if you feel bad about yourself, trying to control you, stop you from seeing your friends or family or from something you enjoy doing, or harm you physically or sexually, then it’s time to get out, fast. Let a trusted friend or family member know what’s going on and make sure you’re safe.

For more help and advice on relationships head over to Kidshelpline to call, chat or read more:
Dating and WebChat Counselling

1800 55 1800
Its free to call from a mobile, landline or public phone so give them a call today

For Mothers

Relationships are difficult and can be particularly difficult if you have children. However, when we consider what a healthy relationship looks like, there are impacts on your children that you may not be aware of.

Is this affecting my kids?

Children can’t feel safe or happy if their mum is being hurt. They may feel frightened or helpless. Some kids try to protect their mum, or they might feel angry and blame her. Some children even think it’s their fault.

Signs abuse is affecting your children can include:

Feeling unwell eg. Having stomach aches or headaches
Finding it difficult to concentrate at school
Finding it difficult to make friends
Learn that violence can give them control over others

It is not your fault!

Some partners try to damage the relationship between a mum and her kids. They may:

Tell your kids you are a ‘bad’ mother
Encourage them to ignore what you say
Stop you from seeing to your child when they need you
Be jealous of your pregnancy or attending to your baby

Where to get help

To get advice or support around parenting and relationships you can contact:

Ngala Parenting Line WA

(08) 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546 (free for STD callers)
8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
For advice or support in for domestic violence contact

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline

The Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline is a state wide 24 hour service. This service provides support and counselling for women experiencing family and domestic violence. This includes phone counselling, information and advice, referral to local advocacy and support services, liaison with police if necessary and support in escaping situations of family and domestic violence. The service can refer women to safe accommodation if required. A telephone based interpreting service is available if required.

Telephone (08) 9223 1188 • Free call 1800 007 339
In an emergency - if someone is in immediate danger - call the police on 000 now.

COVID-19 is impacting everyone and we want you to know we are still here to assist.

If you’re in immediate danger call: POLICE 000

For non-emergencies call: POLICE 131 444

I need help

What does a healthy relationship look like?

For Women

Signs of an abusive relationship?

For Young People

Abuse

For Mothers

I need help

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline - 08 9223 1188 or free call 1800 007 330

Men’s Domestic Violence Help Line - 9223 1199 or free call 1800 000 599

Kid’s Helpline - Free call 1800 551 800

1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732

Free Domestic Violence Support Services (in person)

Koolkuna Domestic Violence Advocacy Support Service (DVAS) - 08 9274 7545

Koolkuna Supported Housing and Outreach Service - 08 9250 5077

Midlas - 08 9250 2123

Legal Aid - 1300 650 579

Midland Family Violence Service - (08) 9250 0229

Victim Support Service - 9425 2850

Centrelink

Indigo Junction - (08) 9274 5382

Housing Authority - 1800 093 325

SARC - 1800 199 888 or 6458 1828

Local GP’s list

Local hospital list

Midland Women’s Health Care Place - 08 9250 2221

Derbal Yerrigan - 08 9374 1400

Aboriginal Legal Service - 08 9265 6666

Djinda Service - 6164 0650

Wungening Aboriginal Corporation - 9221 1411

ISHAR Multicultural Services - (08) 9249 3646

The Humanitarian Group - 6148 3600

Language matters – Beyond ‘revenge porn’:

What to do if you or someone you know is experiencing image-based abuse:

What is elder abuse?

Signs that someone is experiencing elder abuse

On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.

1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

85% of Australian women have been sexually harassed.

Respect

Trust

Honesty

Equality

Good Communication

Warning signs your relationship isn’t healthy??

Ngala Parenting Line WA

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline

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