Today, we're diving into an important yet often difficult topic - what women need to consider for safety and support when thinking about leaving an abusive relationship. Laurie from White Ribbon Australia is a leading voice in domestic violence prevention and intervention. At White Ribbon Australia, she manages the Workplace Accreditation Program, fostering safer spaces for women and families. Laurie has dedicated her career to reducing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Laurie’s here to walk us through those essential first steps, sharing insights that could make a world of difference.

Timestamps (approx):

• 1 min – Key steps to consider before leaving an abusive relationship, including understanding the risks and preparing for safety.
• 4 mins – Creating an escape plan with essentials like a “go bag” and securing digital privacy.
• 7 mins – The role of support networks in combating isolation and offering safety when planning to leave.
• 10 mins – Legal protections: applying for intervention orders and working with domestic violence officers for added safety.
• 12 mins – Importance of seeking legal advice and considering mediation as an alternative to family court.
• 17 mins – Exploring options to remain in the home safely by legally removing the partner through sole occupancy orders.
• 20 mins – Recognising manipulation tactics like “love bombing” and the importance of reaching out for guidance.

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

Let’s be real - we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Important Links

Daisy App – A free app developed by 1800RESPECT that provides local support service information while protecting user privacy.

Escaping Violence Payment – Financial assistance up to $5,000 for women experiencing family violence, available through organisations like Uniting and Wesley Mission.

Government Financial Assistance – Support payments like Parenting Payments, Single Income Family Supplement, and Family Tax Benefits A and B for single parents and families.

Support and Help Lines

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be life-changing. I don't want to create resources on a website with no 'quick exit' function. A quick exit function on domestic violence (DV) websites is designed to protect individuals who may be in immediate danger while seeking help or information online. Many victims of DV are closely monitored by their abusers, including their online activities. The quick exit button allows users to leave the website instantly and redirects them to a neutral site, like a search engine, with one click.

- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

- Relationships Australia: Offers counselling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277

- Men’s Referral Service: Support for men using family violence, offering confidential counselling and resources. Call: 1300 766 491

- Family Relationship Advice Line: Offers information and support for family separation, parenting arrangements, and more. Call: 1800 050 321

- Women’s Health Centres: Specialised support for women affected by domestic violence, including counselling and medical services. Contact your local centre.

- In Immediate Danger: Call: Triple Zero (000)

- Legal Aid Australia: Provides legal services and support for those experiencing domestic violence. Each state has its own Legal Aid office.  Contact your local centre.

- Family Court of Australia: Offers resources on family law, protection orders, and information on navigating the court system for those affected by family violence. Visit: familycourt.gov.au

Legal Protection Orders

If you need protection, apply for legal orders such as Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) or similar orders in your state or territory.

Tech Safety Tips

For technology-related abuse, contact WESNET or visit the eSafety Commissioner for guidance on how to protect yourself from tech-facilitated abuse.

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