Everyone has the right to feel safe and live in an environment free from violence. Renting laws provide options to help victims escape domestic violence.
Victims are able to:
- stay at the rented home and have the perpetrator leave; or
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- leave the rented premises and be removed from the rental agreement.
Staying
Staying means you will need to apply to SACAT to have the perpetrator removed from the rental agreement.
Leaving
Leaving means you will need to apply to SACAT to either end your part in the agreement or terminate the agreement altogether.
All applications to SACAT are made online. You can use a computer, tablet or smart phone.
The application form will prompt you for the information needed.
If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.
If you are unable to complete the form online, you can contact the Tribunal for assistance on 1800 723 767 and a staff member may assist you complete the form by telephone.
You can also visit SACAT’s offices at Level 4 or 7, 100 Pirie Street, and use a computer at one of SACAT’s public kiosks where staff may also provide assistance.
If you are fearful of being subjected to domestic abuse, contact your local police station to discuss appropriate responses.
Call 131 444 for patrol assistance, or call 000 in case of emergency.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with abuse, Uniting Country SA provides domestic and family violence support services in regional South Australia.
For over 120 years, Uniting Country SA has been caring for country people. They are passionate about engaging, elevating and enriching the lives of adults, children and families in country communities. Their respectful and inclusive services are designed to make everyone feel supported and comfortable.
They can help with:
- Crises intervention
- Safety Planning
- Case Management and referral services
They offer a range of Programs:
- Yorke and Mid North Domestic Violence Service
This service may provide a range of domestic and family violence support services that includes crisis intervention, emergency accommodation, financial support and other intervention services. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North regions.
- Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) helps people find out if their current or ex-partner has been violent or abusive in the past, as recorded by the police. This is for those who think they might be in danger of domestic violence. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North and Far North regions.
- Escaping Violence Payment
The Escaping Violence Payment is available to anyone who is leaving a violent partner and is struggling with the finances to do so. Up to $5,000 in financial assistance can assist with removalists, bonds, basic supplies for a new home, or wraparound services including caseworker support. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North, Far North and Eyre Western regions.
- Safe at Home
Safe at Home services support women and children who have experienced domestic violence to stay safely in their current or chosen home. Services include assessment, safety planning, home security audits and security upgrades. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North and Far North regions.
- Male Perpetrator Program
This counselling service offers help for those who have been abusive, aiming to create positive changes to reduce the effects and incidence of domestic and family violence in the future. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North, Far North.
- Coober Pedy Homelessness and Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Service
This service assists people who are at risk of homelessness in regional South Australia as well as provides domestic and family violence support. They assist families, single adults, young people, and couples with needs assessments, crisis intervention, information, advocacy and counselling. This service is available in Far North regions.
- The Haven (Safety Hub)
The Port Pirie Haven provides information and referrals for women. All women located in Port Pirie and surrounding areas are welcome.
Support for men who use violence to change their behaviour
No to Violence provides a range of services to support men concerned about their behaviour to change what they are doing and keep women, children and communities safer.
Each of the services on this web page is operated by qualified and experienced counsellors and family violence experts at No to Violence.
Men’s Referral Service
The Men’s Referral Service is the national counselling, information and referral service for men who use violence and abuse to change their behaviour.
Who can the Men’s Referral Service support?
Men who are seeking support to change their behaviours.
Family members who are impacted by a man’s use of violent and abusive behaviours.
Friends, family or colleagues of men who may be using family violence and wanting to know how to best support them.
Professionals working with men who are using violence or family members impacted by violence and seeking secondary consultation.
The Men’s Referral Service can have a conversation with you, help you with some short term tactics, and put you in touch with some supports that can help you along your journey.
Women’s Safety Services SA offers a specific service for women of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds who are in unsafe relationships. The Migrant Women’s Support program is responsive to culturally sensitive needs, conducts risk assessments, safety management, information, advocacy, and refers to, and engages with other relevant services.
The staff of the program are bilingual and bi-cultural and work in partnership with domestic violence services, and other service providers including interpreters. They have specialised knowledge about the complexity of domestic and family violence within culturally diverse communities.
To contact the Migrant Women’s Support program directly, please call them on (08) 8152 9260.
CALD women are less likely to report violence, can experience more barriers in accessing support services, and are less likely to leave a family violence situation than other Australian women, due to the following factors:
- Understanding of Australia’s laws, rights and cultural norms, especially by new arrivals
- Familiarity with knowledge of support services
- Availability and accessibility of support services
- Resolving immigration status and eligibility for support services and payments
- Women’s isolation and community participations
- Cultural beliefs and norms about gender and marriage
- Capacity of community and religious leaders
- Standards in interpreting and translating
- Police interventions
- CALD men behaviour change
- Intersectionality of issues for CALD women
Centacare provides support to women and children experiencing or fleeing family and domestic violence to ensure their safety. Our offices are located in Murray Bridge and Mount Barker, however, experienced workers provide outreach services and will travel anywhere within the Murray Mallee, Adelaide Hills and Coorong regions.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour by a person within an intimate relationship who seeks to establish and maintain power and control over the other. This includes physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual and financial abuse.
Services provided:
- Crisis support
- Case management and coordination
- Safety planning
- Advocacy
- Information and referral to other required services
- Counselling
Program details
Who: Women and their children who are experiencing or escaping domestic or family violence.
Where: Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, Tailem Bend, Mannum, Pinnaroo, Raukkan, Meningie, Tintinara, Karoonda, Nairne, Woodside, Stirling, Bridgewater, Gumeracha.
How: Self-referral, or referral by family and friends, government and non-government agencies.
Contact: 08 8228 8960 or the Domestic and Family Violence Gateway on 1800 800 098.
Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Financial Assistance program supports people on temporary visas who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
The program is available to people:
- on temporary visas, or with uncertain visa status, who are living in Australia, and,
- experiencing family or domestic violence, and,
- experiencing financial hardship.
The program can help you with:
- payments of up to $5,000
- referral to a specialist FDV agency or other services
- support coordination for up to 3 months (upon assessment).
Applications for FDV Financial Assistance can only be made online.
The Riverland Domestic Violence Service (RDVS) supports women and children who are experiencing domestic violence. The Service provides short-term accommodation, confidential and professional counselling, and information and referrals for options in housing, medical, legal, income and advocacy.
We also provide outreach support for women who do not require accommodation but are still experiencing domestic violence.
Our staff provide individual case management in a culturally-sensitive way that is respectful of people’s needs. The RDVS also plays an important role in the community, educating people about domestic violence and women’s safety.
Click HERE for more information.
Program details
Who: Women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Where: The service is located in Berri.
Contact: The team (08) 8215 6380, after hours at 1800 800 098 or rdvs@centacare.org.au
24-hour counselling is available on 1800 737 732 (the National Sexual Assault, Domestic, Family Violence Counselling Service).
Helping pets and people in family violence situations
RSPCA South Australia is committed to working with the community and all organisations responding to domestic and family violence to help families and their pets find safety.
Practical information for keeping pets safe in domestic and family violence situations
Need someone else to care for your pet while you escape a violent relationship?
Keep the following information with you:
- A photo of your pet, and a document containing their name, age and feeding schedule, what they normally eat, details of any medical conditions, their temperament, likes and dislikes (including whether they can be boarded with children/other animals), whether they live indoors/outdoors, whether they have a history of escaping/jumping fences etc.
- Something to prove you own the pet (for example: registration or vet bills in your name).
- Details of your pet’s current veterinary clinic alongside any copies of medical records, proof of vaccination records and/or microchip details
Plan for keeping your pet safe and where it might go if temporary care is required.
Be prepared with the following:
- Keep your pet’s leash, collar, harness, ID tags and carrier cage at hand.
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have proof of vaccination.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your microchip contact details are up to date.
- Speak with family and friends to see if they would be willing to provide temporary boarding.
- Be sure to carry a copy of contact details for emergency animal carers in your wallet, mobile phone or bag.
- In some cases local councils, community groups or social workers may be able to help you.
- Contact DV helplines to check for availability of pet-friendly services: 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT) or 1800 800 098 (Domestic Violence Crisis Line). DV services are becoming increasingly pet-inclusive.
- Search the PetRescue Knowledge Base to find your local rescue and crisis support groups.
- Alternatively, temporary pet sitters often advertise online on websites such as PetCloud.
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If you wish to discuss emergency accommodation for your pet, call RSPCA South Australia on 1300 47 7722.
If you are in immediate danger contact 000.
The Zahra Foundation exists to support women recovering from domestic abuse to build a more empowered life and gain financial independence.
The Zahra Foundation provides programs, services, education and support that empowers you to take the next steps forward and build a life free from poverty and abuse.
The programs that The Zahra Foundations offer include:
Pathways to Employment
A 9-week program for women impacted by domestic abuse that allows you to connect with yourself, identify your goals and take the next steps to realise them. Discover pathways to education, training and employment within a supportive, non-judgemental community, empowering you to build the life you want.
Financial Counselling
A free service for women impacted by domestic abuse-related debt and financial hardship. Specialist, trauma and violence informed Financial Counsellors are non-judgemental and supportive in their approach and empower you with skills, knowledge and choices to build the life you want.
Opportunity Knox Small Grants
While recovering from domestic abuse, if you are experiencing financial hardship or facing barriers associated with the costs of gaining and sustaining education or employment, you may be eligible for the small grants program.
Workshops
The Zahra Foundation hosts a range of educational workshops that build skills and provide information that can support women in their journey to economic independence. The workshops are centred around tools, skills and information that can assist in entering and maintaining education, employment and training, such as financial literacy, budgeting, and resume writing.
Open House
The Zahra Foundation "Open House" morning tea is held once a month, providing participants with a safe and supportive space and access to information from key service providers across the range of services and programs that are available during recovery from domestic abuse that supports building independence. It is also an opportunity to connect with the Zahra community.