Domestic and Family Violence - NSW

1 in 4
women and children in Australia experience Domestic and Family Violence

77
out of 78 domestic violence perpetrators who killed their partners used coercive control in the relationship

1
woman is killed each week in Australia

We Help Domestic Violence Survivors Beyond Crisis

A home is the one place where anyone should feel respected. A place free from abuse, free from fear, free from violence.

There is a great need for timely crisis accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence. The service system in Australia for appropriate crisis support is currently fragmented with very little specialist, wrap around support for those with complex needs.

Open Support recognises this need and is proud to provide integrated support. This support includes provision of crisis accommodation and wrap around support that spans from crisis through transition and outreach, dependent on client need. We endeavor to ensure appropriate opportunities for recovery and create a safe haven for Domestic and Family Violence survivors. Using a holistic approach, we work with vulnerable families to assist their transition from surviving day to day, to a thriving member of the community. A key focus of ours is those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, who face additional barriers.

How Does Our Program Work?

Each case takes on average 84 days in crisis, this is to assist with education around domestic violence, rebuilding confidence, securing accommodation, compensation/income as well as attending court proceedings to recover belongings and to ensure they are safe to enter community. Once they are in private rentals, we continue to work with the families for approximately 18 months in our transitional care program.

During this time, we work on immigration, court matters (usually child custody arrangements) and division of property if needed. We work to rebuild confidence and improve decision making in our clients, once we feel our clients have a solid foundation and can thrive into the future, our job is done. Our door is always open to our clients should they need us.

Our Approach

73
people were supported by us in the last year; 32 women and 41 children

31
out of the 32 women have settled into their own home, and have found jobs or are attending education. Only 1 returned home to the perpetrator.

2x
the amount of families will be supported in the second half of 2023, as we will open our new crisis support accommodation to increase our capacity

More Information on Domestic Violence

Red Flags of Domestic & Family Violence

Corporate Education Program

Domestic & Family Violence

Our Open Support Domestic Violence (DFV) Education Program for Corporates is delivered by our sector experts and aims to educate and inform employees and organisations on issues relating to DFV. Sessions will cover topics such as:

1) Common myths and misconceptions. 2) Recognising red flags for an abusive relationship and will provide employees with information on the pathways of support available. 3) Sharing a colleague or loved one’s experience with domestic and family violence.

Open Support offers ongoing guidance to participating Corporate Organization HR Departments in assisting them to appropriately support employees experiencing domestic violence. Every person deserves to live an empowered life. A life free from fear.

Learn more

Need a Way Out?

If you are experiencing any form of domestic and family violence or abuse and need support, contact DV Line on 1800 65 64 63 (NSW Residents), who can refer you to our program or another service depending on your needs. If you are anywhere else in Australia, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for further information and support.

If you are in immediate danger or know someone who is, call the police on 000.

Be Part of the Solution

You have the power to help. With your support, we can pursue our endeavour to change the horrifying statistics caused by Domestic and Family Violence. By donating to Open Support, you give more families a way out of domestic abuse, a way towards safety and independence.

Donate Today