Getting Help

Suffering homophobic abuse or violence can be a traumatic experience. The AVP is is able to refer you to the service that is right for you. You can contact the AVP on any of the following numbers:

 

AVP Report-Line	9206 2116
Free call	1800 063 060
General Enquires	9206 2030
TTY	9283 2088
E-mail	avp@acon.org.au

Below are the contact details for a number of related organisations that can provide you with information, support and help if you have been the victim of homophobic abuse or violence.

Victim/Support Services

Victims Support Line (VSL) and Approved Counselling Scheme (ACS)

The VSL is a 24-hour phone counselling, support and referral service for victims of crime.

The ACS provides counsellors who are approved under the ACS are social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists who have particular expertise in dealing with the trauma caused by violent crime.

To access the scheme call the number below and let them know you would like to see a counsellor. They will send you a simple form to fill in which you can post or fax back. If your application is accepted you will be allocated two free hours of counselling which in most cases will be extended to six hours.

Phone and TTY	9374 3000
Free call	1800 633 063
Website	www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/vs

Victims of Crime Compensation

Some victims of crime may be eligible to apply for victim’s compensation. To find out more call the Victim’s Compensation Tribunal.

Phone	9374 3111
Free call	1800 069 054

Victims of Crime Advice and Information Site

The Victims of Crime Advice and Information site has information on a range of topics including the police, courts, domestic violence, accessing counselling and so on.

Website

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/voc

Sexual Assault Services

NSW Rape Crisis Centre

24-hour counselling, support and information service for survivors of sexual assault.

Phone	9819 6565
TTY	9181 4349 or 1800 424 017

Relationship Violence Services

Domestic Violence Line

The Domestic Violence Line can assist you with advice about your safety needs, obtaining Apprehended Violence Orders, how to get legal help, how to get counselling and other support you may need.

Toll free	1800 633 063
TTY	1800 671 442

Another Closet - Domestic Violence in Lesbian and Gay Relationships

A website developed by the Same Sex Domestic Violence Working Group with information, advice and support.  Also includes personal stories from people who have experienced same sex domestic violence and a section with information for service providers.

Website

http://ssdv.acon.org.au

 

Legal Services

Lesbian and Gay Legal Rights Service

A Project of the Inner City Legal Centre
Free legal advice to gay men and lesbians. Call to make an appointment.

Phone

9332 1966

NSW Anti-Discrimination Board (ADB)

The ADB hears cases of discrimination or vilification based on race, gender, religion, marital status, disability and sexuality. Call for information about discrimination or vilification or to make a complaint.

Phone	9268 5555
Toll free	1800 670 812
Website	http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/ADB

NSW Ombudsman

Unless you have a serious complaint about the police, where possible and appropriate, you should give the authority you have the complaint about a chance to solve the problem. Many authorities have customer service centres or complaint units. Try them or contact the most senior person available. If you are not satisfied with the action taken you can lodge a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman.

For further information about making a complaint check ut their web site. The site lists the appropriate agencies for complaints against a range of other organisations like Banks, Local Governments, the media, businesses and so on.

Website

http://www.nswombudsman.nsw.gov.au/complaints/index.html

Regional Contacts

ACON Branches

ACON has a number of branches around NSW. They can make referrals to lesbian and gay friendly services (eg. doctors, counsellors) in their areas.

Sydney	9 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills 2010	9206 2000
Western Sydney	9 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010	9204 2400
Hunter	129 Maitland Rd, Islington 2296	4927 6808
Illawarra	47 Kenny St, Wollongong 2500	4226 1163
Northern Rivers	27 Uralba St, Lismore 2480	6622 1555
Mid-North Coast	4 Hayward Street, Port Macquarie 2444	6584 0943