Where am I now? lawlink > Index > Processes for responding to domestic violence > Health and welfare services: practical support for victims   Print this page Health and welfare services: practical support for victims What is happening when a woman seeks outside help? Health and welfare worker roles | Practical help Reporting children and young people at risk of harm to DoCS Reporting domestic violence to police | Mediation inapropriate Strategies for ensuring worker safety on home visits DoCS: Domestic Violence Line | DoCS: Helpline - children and young people at risk DoCS: referring matters to the NSW police | DoCS: requests to police for AVOs DoCS: uses of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in child & family casework DoCS: confidentiality and client consent NSW Health: intervention with victims of domestic violence NSW Health: legal obligations of Area Health Services staff Department of Housing: priority housing | Centrelink: support services available Department of Immigration & Multi-cultural & Indigenous Affairs: residency status Chart 5 - Health and welfare services: practical suport for victims What is happening when a woman seeks outside help? When a woman seeks outside help: The violence is usually getting worse and the woman feels unsafe and afraid The woman may be uncertain about what can be done to help her The woman minimises the seriousness of the violence she is being exposed to She may blame herself for the violence and feel terribly alone She may be isolated from social and emotional supports Children may have become direct targets of the violence or be demonstrating the effects of experiencing the violence in the home The violent partner may not believe he has a problem She may want the violence to stop but still has emotional ties to her partner. Back to top Health and welfare worker roles The roles of health and welfare workers in supporting victims of domestic violence are to: Provide an empathic and prompt response which conveys that she is not alone and that the violence is not her fault Validate her experiences and acknowledge the seriousness of her situation Ascertain details about the history of the violence Discuss immediate safety plans with the woman including AVOs Gain an understanding of how the violence is affecting her now and what she wants for herself and her children Respect her decisions Acknowledge the feelings she may still hold towards her partner Provide ongoing support based on empowering the woman to achieve her goals Provide access to services and accurate information about safety options that ensure the ongoing protection of the woman and her children Discuss any child protection concerns and help her to recognise the effects of domestic violence on her children Be an effective advocate for women to ensure she receives appropriate service from government and community sector agencies Assist in identifying and remedying systemic issues that impact adversely on women and children effected by domestic violence. When ongoing support cannot be offered by the first contact worker, it is important to ensure that appropriate referrals are made. Back to top Practical help The victim of domestic violence usually requires practical help to get out of a violent situation, particularly if she wishes to end the relationship. Many women have trouble leaving because of lack of money, support and accommodation as well as other reasons. Some sources of help are: Counselling the victim | When is couple counselling appropriate? | Refuges Financial help | Legal advice | Housing information | Security| Telephone Contact arrangements for children Counselling the victim Women's health centres and community health centres provide opportunities for women to have individual counselling or to speak to women who have had similar experiences. The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service can provide referral to an appropriate support service in the area where the woman lives. The Department of Community Services Domestic Violence line, which operates 24 hours a day, will also provide referral to a counselling service. Another service that provides 24hour support, information and referral for victims of crime is the Victim Support Line. When is couple counselling appropriate? Counselling can be extremely useful in helping people to clarify their feelings and explore options. However, where violence exists, particular caution should be taken before engaging in couple counselling as a response to domestic violence. Domestic violence is often a crime and counselling should never be offered as an alternative to the criminal justice system. Counselling couples where domestic violence exists is only appropriate if responsibility for the abuse is placed firmly with the man who is violent to his partner. Experienced counsellors should only engage in counselling couples when there has been a separation and violence and harassment has ceased. Some organisations agree to undertake counselling when there is an Apprehended Violence Order in place. Clear agreements are made with both parties about what will happen should violence, threats or harassment occur. It is expected that full support be given to the woman to ensure that her safety is not compromised. Refuges There are a number of refuges in NSW providing crisis accommodation and a supportive safe environment for distressed and endangered women and their children. Most are open 24 hours a day. Refuge staff can advise women of their legal and welfare rights and help them to apply for social security benefits and legal aid. The Homeless Persons Information Centre also acts as a clearing house for refuges in NSW. The Department of Community Services Domestic Violence 24 hour Line may also assist in finding emergency accommodation. A woman does not jeopardise her rights to a later property settlement or maintenance application if she leaves her home in circumstances of domestic violence. Financial help The woman should visit Centrelink as soon as possible to arrange for the immediate payment of a pension or benefit. Centrelink has released a booklet, Working to Assist People Experiencing Violence, which outlines the services that Centrelink can provide, the role of Centrelink and its staff as well the rights and responsibilities of its clients. The Department of Community Services or agencies such as the Smith Family or the St Vincent de Paul Society may be able to provide emergency financial assistance. Back to top Legal advice The Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) provides free legal advice and information over the telephone. DVAS may also be able to provide free legal representation or referral to a solicitor (who would be able to apply for legal aid if the woman is eligible). Free legal advice and representation for AVOs may be obtained from the Legal Aid Commission. Eligibility for legal aid is subject to a means test and is not available where the Legal Aid Commission is satisfied that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or has no prospect of success. Housing information Information on housing can be accessed through tenants' advice services. The Department of Housing provides assistance in housing and may also be able to provide assistance with bond and rental payments to women on low incomes. The Department has a domestic violence policy which stipulates that requests for housing assistance from domestic violence victims must be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Security In some cases it is possible for a woman to remain in her house or flat and protect herself from violence by making the premises more secure. This is an option where, for example, the abuser is only a threat when he has been drinking and comes to the house or flat. A security system will either keep him out altogether, or give the woman some protection while she calls for help from neighbours or the police. Back to top Telephone It is a good idea for the woman to have a telephone so that police and friends can be contacted in an emergency. The Department of Community Services may help to have the telephone connected. If a woman is continually being abused over the phone, she can pay a small fee to have the number changed to a silent listing. Telephone calls which menace, harass or are offensive are also offences under the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), s.85ZE. The woman should contact the police or the phone company (e.g. Telstra) about laying charges against the caller. Contact arrangements for children It is important for a woman afraid of violence taking place at a contact hand-over to make special arrangements. For example, the contact hand-over may take place at a friend's or relative's home, or it may be useful to arrange to have someone else present at the woman's house when the man arrives to collect the children. Many people arrange for the children to be picked up and returned at a police or railway station or other public place. This may be distressing for the children but sometimes there is no other practical alternative which provides the woman with protection at these times. There are also a small number of contact and changeover services in operation. An intake assessment is usually undertaken before changeover parents are able to utilise these contact services. Family Law contact orders may be varied or revoked to include new arrangements so that potentially violent situations can be avoided. The provisions of the Family Law Act relating to contact with the children and family violence is discussed in Legal remedies below. See Part 4 Section D Family Law and Family Violence for details. Back to top Reporting children and young people at risk of harm to the Department of Community Services (DoCS) Anybody can report a child (under 16) or a young person (16 to 18) to DoCS where they have a current concern that the child or young person is at risk of harm. Risk of harm is broadly defined as neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, incidents of domestic violence that places the child or young person at serious risk of physical or psychological harm and parent or carer behaviour that places the child or young person at risk of psychological harm. Mandated reporters Mandated reporters are defined by s27 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and include anyone in paid or professional work who delivers services to children or manages such services. It covers children’s services, education, law enforcement, residential services (refuges), community services/welfare, health care, disability services and after hours school care. Mandated reporting does not apply to young people aged between 16 and 18. Mandated reporters: Are required to report to DoCS if they have reasonable grounds to suspect a child under 16 years is at risk of harm (and those grounds have arisen during the course of their employment). Concerns may be reported to DoCS if the young person is between 16 and less than 18 years of age, however this is not mandated Do not need to get permission from their supervisor or the care giver in order to make a report to DoCS Can seek feedback from DoCS about their report Back to top Reporting domestic violence to police There are some circumstances when, regardless of the victims' wishes, workers must report domestic violence to the police. These circumstances are when: Serious injuries have been inflicted such as broken bones, stab and gunshot wounds The perpetrator has a gun and threats have been made A serious risk to an individual or individuals exists A serious risk to public safety exists. Wherever possible, the victim should be informed when a decision is made to inform the police. Back to top Mediation inappropriate Mediation is inappropriate for the same reasons as outlined for couple counselling. Mediation is based on principles which assume that each party has equal power within the relationship and come to the mediation session with equal opportunities to put their views forward. In the presence of domestic violence, women are often afraid to voice their opinions and do not have the power to negotiate their rights on equal terms with their partners. Women may not disclose that threats or intimidatory tactics have been used. They may go along with agreements decided within the mediation session for fear of the repercussions if they do not comply with their partner's wishes. Safety issues must not be ignored or minimised. Back to top Strategies for ensuring worker safety on home visits Each service will have a worker safety strategy. Some of the points that could be included in the policy are: A list of all worker's clients with phone numbers and addresses are to be kept noting clients with domestic violence issues, chronic mental health issues, serious drug and alcohol dependencies, and those who have a dual diagnosis ( eg developmental disability and alcohol dependency). Workers should be particularly mindful prior to a first home visit of any information regarding previous assault, and/ or firearms history or the existence of firearms on the premises, and the relevance of any information concerning the abuse / neglect of children and or animals at the premises. Two workers should visit for the first assessment (if deemed necessary by the co ordinator). The referring agency is required to provide all available information, including a past history of violence and the existence of an AVO. In situations where safety is an issue, the client visit should take place at a neutral venue. This venue should not be an isolated place. If a worker feels unsafe, the worker must leave the situation. The worker always has the right to refuse to see a client. Workers should not give home phone numbers or addresses to clients. Where worker safety could be an issue, workers should park their cars to allow for a quick exit. Back to top A mobile phone should be kept on during a client visit. The phone should have a programmed emergency number. Workers should have an emergency code so that when ringing the office appropriate back-up can be given without alerting anyone listening to the worker making the call. Workers should always leave an itinerary of who they are seeing, where and the estimated time of return. Workers should discuss with the police the best methods of contacting them in an emergency, particularly in situations where the worker may not be able to provide them with complete information. When there is a possible concern of worker safety a contact person should be reliably available via phone (including mobile phone) until after the worker rings to report that they have left the situation. At the completion of all appointments for the day, the worker should notify the office. If necessary workers should ring the office to notify of any change of movements or completion of appointments for the day. Unless absolutely necessary do not use the client's phone. If ringing from the client's phone, punch in other numbers after the call in case the abuser makes use of the 'recall' facility to trace the call. In the client's home, choose a safe place to sit. Be aware of access to and exits from the premises. It is imperative that all appointments to be made by the worker are duly recorded. DoCS: Domestic Violence Line The Department of Community Services provides a statewide 24 hour telephone support and referral line for people (primarily women) affected by domestic violence. Experienced female workers staff the line and can provide crisis counselling, support and information about domestic violence. The DV Line can assist callers leaving domestic violence to access women's refuges and/or explore other accommodation options with them. The service has a comprehensive database that can identify the nearest support and accommodation services. The service can refer callers to a range of specialist agencies that can assist with domestic violence matters like, legal and family law advice, counselling, support groups, immigration information, police complaints etc. All workers have a good understanding of the issues that may exist for indigenous women, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, those with a disability and those living in rural and remote areas. Workers are experienced in using the Telephone Interpreter Service and are committed to ensuring that the service is accessible and available to people whose first language is not English. Hearing or speech impaired people can contact the service by TTY or through the National Relay Service. Where there are child protection concerns, workers can liaise with local DoCS offices. Back to top DoCS: Helpline - children and young people at risk Helpline (132 111) receives requests for assistance and reports regarding children and young people who may be at risk of harm. Helpline staff perform an initial risk assessment via the telephone. At this stage, DoCS can take immediate action, refer to a local Community Services Centre (CSC) or the Joint Investigative Response Team (JIRT) for further assessment or action, or DoCS can take no further action. All reports have a required action plan (RAP). The RAP forms part of the initial assessment report that is transferred to the local DoCS CSC or JIRT. The RAP details the further action/assessment needed. Each report is priority ranked. Helpline Team Leaders approve all RAPs prior to the report being transferred to the local CSC or JIRT. Role of the Community Service Centre (CSC) When a CSC receives a report from Helpline, further inquiries are made at the CSC to ascertain whether a child or young person is at risk of harm, and may be in need of care and protection. Local knowledge may assist in this inquiry. A secondary risk assessment occurs when a Manager Casework allocates a matter to a Caseworker for further assessment. Where concerns continue to exist for the safety or welfare of a child or young person, a protection-planning meeting is held with family members, DoCS Manager and caseworker and any involved agencies (ie school, drug and alcohol service etc). In conjunction with the family and any involved agencies, a Case Plan is developed for the child or young person. The Case Plan details what actions are to be taken to reduce the risks for a child or young person and the respective tasks for the caseworker, family members and involved agencies. Case Plans are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. A case is closed when current and future risks to a child or young person have reduced to a point where DoCS involvement is no longer required. Feedback to reporters DoCS provides feedback to reporters. Reporters will be given a reference number for the report that they made. Mandatory reporters will be advised in writing of what action has been taken. All reporters can contact Helpline or the local CSC to get information on what follow up has occurred. It is not always possible or appropriate to provide detailed information to reporters. Decisions about the type and extent of information provided are made in reference to the best interests of the child or young person. Review of DoCS' decisions It is DoCS’ role to make a decision on what action, if any, is required after receiving a report. If an agency or reporter is concerned about the course of action taken by DoCS, then they can request a review of the decision. To request a review, the agency or reporter should contact Helpline or the CSC supervising the case, ask for a review and provide information upon which the request is based. Any requests for review made verbally, should also be put in writing. DoCS will promptly review its decision and will provide the agency or reporter with its reasons for the review decision giving particular attention to any new information presented. Keeping records Record keeping is a mandatory responsibility for all DoCS staff and it is a basic requirement to record all assessment and investigation findings and decisions in an accurate and objective manner. DoCS records are a history of the Department's involvement in any particular case and can be subpoenaed and used in courts and tribunals. All reports made to DoCS are entered upon the Key Information Directory Services (KiDS) with codes that represent the "reported issues". There are a number of Domestic violence related codes: Carer: adults’ behaviour-domestic violence Risk DV-child harmed whilst intervening Risk DV-child witnessed DV. Back to top DoCS: referring matters to the NSW Police If DoCS staff receive information that a serious indictable offence (ie. carries a possible penalty of imprisonment of more than 5 years) has been committed, the Police must be informed (s.316 Crimes Act NSW). This is the case whether or not the child or young person is at risk of harm or the matter will proceed for further assessment. Section 42 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 requires DoCS staff, prior to applying for a care order, to advise Police of all cases where a child of 10 but less than14 years of age has exhibited sexually abusive behaviours. DoCS will contact Police where there is a serious or life threatening situation. Helpline (132 111) and DV Line can request NSW Police to trace calls where there is a serious or life threatening emergency. Under section 248 of the Act DoCS can exchange information regarding the safety, welfare and well-being of a child/young person or a class of children or young persons with prescribed bodies. A prescribed body includes the NSW Police. DoCS can request a criminal history check by the NSW Police on alleged perpetrators of harm, that check will be nation-wide. DoCS can also request information from interstate Statutory Child Protection bodies. DoCS can request Police to seek an AVO for a child/young person, providing Police with a suitable standard on information regarding the AVO and DoCS can report suspected breaches of an AVO to Police. The Joint Investigation Response Team (JIRT) is a joint DoCS, NSW Police and NSW Health team that assesses and investigates serious child abuse where a criminal offence may have occurred. A joint investigation by DoCS and NSW Police links the risk assessment and protective interventions of DoCS with the criminal investigation of the Police and the prosecution systems of the ODPP. NSW Health provides medical examination, crisis counselling and intervention services. The type of matters referred to JIRT are suspected serious and non-accidental injuries to children and young people, for example, intentional burns, non-accidental fractures, serious lacerations, internal injuries, symptoms consistent with "shaken baby syndrome", attempted strangulation or suffocation. DoCS also refer sexual offences or extreme neglect matters to JIRT. Back to top DoCS: requests to Police for AVOs In its child protection function, DoCS must use the least intrusive option to protect children and young people. In certain cases, an AVO may be used as a means of protecting children. A police officer is the only person who can apply for an AVO for a child (See Part B a 9 AVOs and children). DoCS can request police to seek an AVO for a child or young person under s. 34 and 17 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. Young people (16-18 years old) can also apply for an AVO on their own behalf. When requesting an AVO, DoCS will advise NSW Police about the assessed issue of concern and provide information to allow Police to fully consider the request. DoCS will also advise of the appropriate protective measures/conditions needed in the AVO. The decision to seek an AVO rests with Police. Magistrates have the power to call any person to the hearing of the AVO including DoCS staff or the child. DoCS will only consider the use of an AVO where there is a supportive and willing adult, usually the non-offending parent, to advise the Police if an order is breached. DoCS can advise Police of a possible breach of an AVO under s34 and 17 of the Act. Back to top DoCS: uses of Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR) in child and family casework The Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 provides for the use of Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) in cases where children or young people are or may be in need of care and protection. ADR in this context may be used to find workable solutions concerning the kinds of actions needed to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of the child or young person. ADR can be used as an early intervention strategy, a planning tool, an alternative to a care application or at any time during a care application. Where domestic violence may exist, a confidential interview with the victim is undertaken with a view to exploring any fear or safety issues the client may have with the offender. If the victim and ADR practitioner believe that mediation is possible, without fear of reprisals, then mediation may be appropriate. DoCS acknowledges that parties to mediation must be able to participate in the ADR process without fear, threat or intimidation. Accordingly, extreme care must be used where domestic violence has been identified. DoCS: confidentiality and client consent DoCS can disclose client information with the informed, valid consent of the child, young person, parent or person with parental responsibility or a relevant authority acting on their behalf. Written consent is preferred, however where this is not possible or practicable, consent can be given verbally and the reason for the verbal consent is recorded on the client's file. DoCS can disclose information to a reporter concerning action taken as a consequence of the report, where the information provided is not inconsistent with the principles of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. DoCS can disclose information in connection with the administration or execution of the Act and/or regulations for the purpose of legal proceedings, in accordance with the Ombudsman's Act or with other lawful excuse. Under Section 248 of the Act, DoCS can exchange information regarding the safety, welfare and well-being of a child/young person or class of children or young persons, with prescribed bodies. A prescribed body means a: NSW Police Government department or a public authority Government school or a registered non-government school TAFE establishment Public health organisation Private hospital Any other body or class of bodies (including an unincorporated body) prescribed by the regulations. Back to top NSW Health: intervention with victims of domestic violence Identification of domestic violence Health workers are well placed to identify a risk of domestic violence, and to take action to intervene early. Where indicators or inconsistent histories are present, staff will ask direct questions about the cause of injury or the dynamics within relationships. This applies in a range of settings, even when domestic violence is not the reason for the presentation. Routine screening for domestic violence Routine screening for domestic violence is a prevention strategy which provides information to at risk populations, as well as an early intervention strategy which allows for identification and appropriate intervention. Area Health Services will introduce routine screening for domestic violence in accordance with related NSW Department of Health protocols for all women attending Antenatal services and Early Childhood Health services and women 16 years and over attending Alcohol and other Drugs Services, and Mental Health Services. Routine screening will be fully introduced by December 2004. Support Immediate/crisis intervention NSW Health services will provide a respectful and non-blaming response to all persons who have experienced domestic violence, and will work to identify the best options to support the client’s immediate and long-term needs, regardless of the number of presentations. Safety issues for the victim and any children need to be considered as a priority and where necessary, reports should be made to the Department of Community Services and NSW Police. Victims should be encouraged and assisted to make such reports on their own behalf. NSW Health services will provide crisis follow-up counselling to all patients where a presentation in an acute inpatient or Emergency Department results in identification of domestic violence. A follow-up response should be available within three days of the identification of violence. Counselling intervention with victims NSW Health services providing counselling for victims of domestic violence will prioritise issues of safety for victims, children and workers. Counselling will be provided in a manner that is respectful, empowering and clearly places the responsibility for the violence with the perpetrator. The statement of principles which underpin this policy form the basis for intervention. Provision of information NSW Health services will ensure that victims of domestic violence are assisted to access information in relation to their legal rights and supported to exercise these rights and options. Other information to be provided may include the effects of domestic violence on victims including children, and the range of services that may be accessed. Referral Victims of domestic violence may require access to a range of services including accommodation, counselling, parenting support and information, Mental Health services, Drug and Alcohol services, legal information and financial assistance. Health workers will work with victims to identify their immediate needs. Back to top NSW Health: legal obligations of Area Health Services staff Limited Confidentiality When the safety of others is involved, the principle of confidentiality cannot be offered unconditionally. In situations where reports to the Department of Community Services and NSW Police are necessary, the consent of the person involved is not required. Health workers who hold a genuine and realistic concern about harm to a person may inform the third party of that risk. Where this action is taken this is not considered a breach of confidentiality, as workers act with lawful excuse. This is known as a ‘Tarasoff warning’. Reporting to Police Domestic violence poses such a significant risk to individuals that in some cases reports to Police must be made, even where this is against the wishes of the victim. Health workers must report to NSW Police regardless of the victim’s views where: serious injuries have been inflicted such as broken bones, stab and gunshot wounds the perpetrator has access to a gun and is threatening to cause physical injury to any person the perpetrator is using or carrying a weapon (including guns, knives or any other weapon capable of injuring a person) in a manner likely to cause physical injury to any person or likely to cause a reasonable person to fear for their personal safety an immediate serious risk to individual/s or public safety exists. an offence has occured on NSW Health premises, or in circumstances in which Health workers are threatened because of their professional role. Firearms The Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms (General) Regulation 1997 state that medical practitioners, registered psychologists, registered nurses, enrolled nurses and persons who provide professional counselling services may inform the Commissioner of NSW Police that they are of the opinion that a patient is unsuitable to be in possession of a firearm: because of the patient’s mental condition, or because the practitioner thinks that the patient might attempt to commit suicide, or would be a threat to public safety, if in possession of a firearm. These provisions operate despite any duty of confidentiality, and any action taken by a practitioner under this section does not give rise to any criminal or civil action or remedy. Other Legal Responses NSW Health services should ensure that victims of domestic violence are assisted to seek other advice where this is indicated, which may result in the implementation of protective measures, such as Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders. Children and Domestic Violence Health workers should consider and address the specific needs of children who are living with domestic violence. In accordance with Sections 23 (d) and 27 of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998, a person who delivers health care services wholly, or partly to children, must make a report to the Department of Community Services where there is a reasonable suspicion that as a result of living in a household where there have been incidents of domestic violence a child is at risk of serious physical or psychological harm. Back to top Department of Housing: priority housing The Department of Housing provides priority housing for women if they are having housing difficulties because of domestic violence. Priority housing application form The woman will need to complete a Priority Housing Application form. The Department will then consider the woman’s housing need, the resources available to her, other options she can pursue and whether she can rent private housing. Priority Housing will be provided where an urgent housing need is established and when private rental housing would be unsuitable for meeting the woman’s needs. If the woman is approved for priority housing, she then receives an offer of public housing ahead of others on the waiting list. If her housing needs could be suitably met through the private rental market, Rentstart can be provided to help establish or maintain a private sector tenancy. It can also be provided to help her move to more affordable housing. Forms of assistance include payment towards her rental bond and rent in advance. Eligibility The woman must meet public housing eligibility criteria to get priority housing or Rentstart: She must have an income below the Department’s limit She must be a resident of NSW She must be 18 years of age or older She must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Some Temporary Entry Permit holders are also eligible for Rentstart. Emergency temporary assistance Emergency Temporary Assistance is available for women who are suddenly made homeless and where other forms of assistance are inappropriate or unavailable. This includes households with no income or households who have an emergency housing need but are not eligible for public housing. Tenants Current tenants If the woman is currently living in public housing and experiencing domestic violence, she can apply for a transfer. If her situation is life threatening, she will be relocated immediately. This may involve the provision of temporary accommodation while her longer term needs are assessed. Additional occupants and co-tenants The situation may arise where the perpetrator is an additional occupant or a co-tenant who refuses to leave the woman’s home. In these circumstances the woman should contact the Department, which may be able to help her by seeking an order from the Residential Tribunal. If she has just left due to domestic violence Tenants who leave a Departmental dwelling due to domestic violence must contact the Department as soon as possible to avoid liability for rent arrears. Former tenants Former tenants who have recently left their home due to domestic violence may be eligible for immediate reinstatement of their tenancy. However, they must apply to the Department within six months of leaving their dwelling. How to support the application To obtain housing assistance from the Department because of domestic violence, the woman must provide supporting evidence to verify her circumstances. This can be in the form of letters or documents from any one of the following: Local Courts Apprehended Violence Order (AVO ) Community advocates, including refuges and Migrant centres NSW Police Helping professionals, e.g. medical, social worker Medical Assessment Form. If it is impossible for her to obtain supporting documentation from any one of the above, she should talk to her local Department of Housing office. Back to top Centrelink: support services available Centrelink provides a range of services for its customers who come from a variety of backgrounds and have differing abilities. People facing domestic and family violence can access the following Centrelink services to help their situation. Crisis payment Centrelink can provide income support to women who are in financial difficulty and experiencing domestic or family violence. Crisis Payment is a one-off, non-refundable payment and may be paid to women experiencing domestic or family violence who are in severe financial hardship and forced to leave their home. Centrelink Customer Service Officers can assist customers in identifying what support they may receive from Centrelink. Professional and specialist services Centrelink social workers Social Workers at Centrelink provide a specialist referral service for victims of violence. Contact with a Social Worker can be made from any Centrelink Customer Service Centre. Social Workers are able to assist individuals and groups who are experiencing domestic and family violence and abuse. They provide professional casework and counselling services to Centrelink customers, and referrals to relevant community services. Social Workers can provide services by phone (reverse charges if necessary), office interview, home visit or visits to shelters. Those who should be offered referral to Social Workers include existing or potential customers: Requesting nominee arrangements Who allege that their nominees are improperly handling their Centrelink payments Claiming payment for being separated under the one roof Requesting a change of identity Experiencing or escaping violent situations Who are obviously distressed and upset Who need the assistance of services within Centrelink or require a referral to another government department or community agency; or Who ask to see a Social Worker. Young people seeking government assistance because they are unable to live at home should also be referred to a Centrelink Social Worker. Centrelink Social Workers compile and maintain lists of local services as part of their casework services to customers. They will continue to be involved in the training of Centrelink staff in customer service issues relating to domestic and family violence. They are able to provide information about self-protection, crisis intervention and the longer term resources available to help a person to live free from violence. Other services Centrelink provides a range of other services including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Home visits Appointing a nominee Job seeking assistance Jobs, education and training advisors change of name letter of introduction to open a bank account Back to top Department of Immigration and Multi-cultural and Indigenous Affairs: residency status Eligibility for permanent residence after breakdown of relationship The Domestic Violence provision of Australia’s Migration Program allows people applying for permanent residence in Australia on the basis of a spouse (including de facto (common law)spouse) or interdependent relationship to remain eligible for permanent residence after the breakdown of their relationship if they, or a member of their family unit, have experienced domestic violence. See Section 4B for details. Back to top | Previous Page | Back to HOME | Top of Page | most recently updated 24 September 2003