Reaching out for support is an extremely brave thing to do and our team thank you for putting trust in them. You will be believed and listened to when you call DVConnect Womensline. We also work with family, friends and professionals who are calling about a woman they have concerns for.
What happens when you call DVConnect Womensline
You should call DVConnect Womensline if you are seeking an immediate pathway to safety. If you are in danger, you should call the police on 000.
When you contact DVConnect Womensline, a team member will answer your call. This usually happens within a few minutes. This first person you speak to will ask you a few questions about your situation, including whether you are safe right now.
You will then be transferred to another team member. Depending on your unique situation, a few things might happen.
If you are in a crisis and seeking an immediate pathway to safety, you will speak with a specialist crisis counsellor. They will ask you more questions and complete an intake process with you. If necessary, they will provide you with emergency transport to safety and/or emergency accommodation.
Depending on what you need, the counsellor may help you with transport to a safe friend or family member’s home, or book you into accommodation if you have nowhere else to stay. This service is free – you will not need to pay for transport or accommodation. You will be able to take your children with you. We may also be able to help you keep your pets safe through the Pets in Crisis program. You will not be able to take your pet with you to emergency accommodation, but the RSPCA will take care of them until you are safe and then return your pet to your care.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence but do not need emergency transport or accommodation, you will speak to a specialist support counsellor. This person can help you with things like brief counselling or making a safety plan.
If you are not in an immediate crisis, you may be referred to a different organisation. DVConnect works with a dedicated network of local regional domestic and family violence services. These organisations can give you ongoing, face-to-face support for you and your family.
How long is the wait time?
DVConnect Womensline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Someone from DVConnect will answer your call within a few minutes. Depending on your situation and the pathway you need, you may be placed on hold for a short amount of time. When you are talking to a crisis counsellor, you may be on the phone for up to an hour while we discuss your options and find you a place to stay. If at any point your situation becomes unsafe, your counsellor will tell you to call 000.
Will DVConnect contact the police?
DVConnect works closely with the Queensland Police Service to ensure victim-survivors are safe. However, we also know that some people would prefer not to involve the police for various reasons.
You do not have to contact the police to receive help from DVConnect. We will only contact the police if there is risk to you or someone else’s safety.
