Media Release by The Hon Christian Porter MP

1800RESPECT marks five years of service

Joint Media Release with:

    • The Hon. Michaelia Cash MP, Minister for Women

1800RESPECT is being contacted more than 100 times a day, highlighting the crucial role of the 24/7 national telephone and online counselling service.

Now having passed five years of operation, the service continues to provide high-quality support to women and families affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence.

Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP, said the government is proud to partner with 1800RESPECT and praised the dedicated staff for their commitment to supporting women.

“1800RESPECT has received over 147,000 contacts since it commenced operation in 2010,” Mr Porter said.

“One in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner. 1800RESPECT plays a vital around-the-clock role in providing support for Australian women when they need it,” Mr Porter said.

“The Commonwealth Government has committed over $45 million to ensure the continued operation of 1800RESPECT and encourage the innovation of new services. This includes the development of a new app – DAISY, which connects women to support services across Australia.”

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Women, said that 1800RESPECT is one of a number of initiatives under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.

“The Commonwealth Government has invested $100 million in the Second Action Plan of the National Plan.

“The work of the National Plan is complemented by the recently announced $100 million Women’s Safety Package and the $30 million national communication campaign to reduce violence against women and their children, which is being jointly funded by the Australian, state and territory governments.

“An important component of the Women’s Safety Package was an additional $5 million in funding to 1800RESPECT to ensure the service can offer timely, high quality support to more women.

“Women and children have the right to feel safe, and I applaud the work of 1800RESPECT over the last five years for support to women who are at risk of, or experiencing, domestic violence,” Minister Cash said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au