Additional Resources
You may find it helpful to explore other supports alongside SACL. The resources below are optional and available if and when you need them. You can choose what feels right for you.
Services offering culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
- 13YARN: 13 92 76 - A 24/7 national support line delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors, offering culturally safe and confidential support for wellbeing and distress.
- Djirra: 1800 105 303 Supports Aboriginal people experiencing family violence through legal assistance, case management, and culturally safe support services.
- Elizabeth Morgan House Aborignal Women's Service: Provides crisis accommodation and support for Aboriginal people experiencing family violence.
Supports designed specifically for children and adolescents.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - 24/7 telephone and online chat support for young people aged 5 through to 25
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 - National service that provides mental health, wellbeing, and early intervention support for young people aged 12-25. Telephone and online support available from 3pm-10pm, 7 days a week.
- Minus18: Support and community for LGBQTIA+ young people
You may prefer to access support in your own language, or from services that understand your cultural background and experiences. The following services offer culturally responsive and accessible support.
- Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National): 131 450 - Free interpreting service for people who do not speak English
- inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: 1800 755 988 - Supports migrant and refugee women experiencing family and sexual violence. Offers support in multiple languages. Operates 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Some people find gentle distractions or grounding activities helpful when feeling overwhelmed. These options are not a replacement for counselling, but can be used to support calm, safety, and moments of relief. You are always encouraged to choose what feels right and stop at any time.
Cute or Funny Animal Videos - Short, gentle videos can provide a brief mental break:
Familiar Comedy or Light-Hearted Shows - Some people find familiar or light-hearted shows comforting during stressful moments. Choosing something gentle or familiar can help create a sense of ease.
- ABC iView: offers a wide range of free Australian and international comedy and light-hearted shows, including sitcoms, panel shows, stand-up, and feel-good series.
Calming Music - Music that feels soothing or familiar may support relaxation
Short Grounding or Breathing Videos - Gentle breathing or grounding practices can help bring attention back to the present moment
- Smiling Mind - free app offering short, guided mindfulness and breathing exercises designed to support calm, focus, and emotional regulation.
- Beyond Blue - offers free guided breathing and relaxation exercises, including short audio practices to support calm and wellbeing.
Creative Activities - Quiet, creative activities can support focus and self-expression
Affirming, inclusive support for sexuality- and gender-diverse people and families.
- Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 - free helpline and specialist service for LGBTQIA+ Victorians, their friends, and families.
- QLife: 1800 184 527 - Peer based phone and webchat. Operates between 3pm-7pm every day.
- Minus18: Support and community for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Support for emotional wellbeing, distress, anxiety, depression and crisis situations.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 - 27/7 crisis support
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - 24/7 confidential counselling and information via phone, chat and online forums
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 658 467 - 24/7 confidential phone and online counselling
- SANE: 1800 187 263 - Support, information, and advocacy for people living with complex mental health issues and trauma, as well as their families and carers. Operated 10am-8pm Mon-Fri, with 24/7 access to Community Forums.
- Headspace: 1800 650 890 - National service that provides mental health, wellbeing, and early intervention for young people aged 12-25. Telephone and online support available from 3pm-10pm, 7 days a week.
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 - 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, relationships, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), stress, and suicidal thoughts.
- Mental Health Triage (Victoria): 24/7 urgent mental health assessment and referral through local public health services.
- North and West Metro: 1300 874 243
- South East Metro: 1300 369 012
- Eastern Metro: 1300 721 927
- Barwon (Geelong): 1300 094 187
- South West (Warrnambool): 1300 011 116
- Gippsland: 1300 363 322
- Grampians: 1300 247 647
- Loddon Mallee: 1300 363 788
Trauma-informed approaches that support regulation, grounding and connection with the body. Movement-based supports may be helpful alongside counselling, but participation is always optional.
- Left Write Hook - a research-informed 8-week boxing and writing workshop for adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse and gendered violence. (Selected locations)
- Trauma Informed Yoga: Can be helpful for supporting calm, body awareness, and a sense of choice.
- The Yoga Foundation (Australia) - Trauma-aware yoga programs prioritising safety and choice
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Australia - An evidence-based approach for complex trauma and PTSD
Information about rights, responsibilities and safety pathways
Reporting, Legal and Rights Information:
- eSafety Commissioner: image-based abuse, online harm and reporting
- Victoria Police SOCIT: reporting sexual offences and safety concerns
- Child Protection (Vic): concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing
- Victoria Legal Aid: 1300 792 387 - free legal information and advice
Support, Safety and System Navigation:
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 - 24/7 national service providing confidential counselling, information, and support for people affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence.
- Safe Steps: 1800 015 188 - A 24/7 family violence crisis response service offering confidential support, safety planning and assistance with emergency accommodation.
- The Orange Door: Provides free support for people experiencing family violence and those supporting them, including risk assessment, safety planning, and connection to local services.
- Victims of Crime Helpline (Vic): 1800 819 817 - Operates 8am-7pm Mon-Fri and 8am-5pm weekends and Public Holidays
Information and support related to sexual health, consent, bodies, and relationships
- 1800 MyOptions: 1800 696 784 - Offers free, confidential information and referrals about contraception, unplanned pregnancy, abortion and sexual health. Operates 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Service: 9341 6200 - is a public sexual health clinic that provides free and confidential testing, treatment, and advice for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and other sexual health concerns. Operates 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri.
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 - 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, relationships, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), stress, and suicidal thoughts.
