[Document title]

Penda Find Your Financial Freedom Find Your Financial Freedom Find Your Financial Freedom Find Your Financial Freedom

Information and referral booklet

Safety, legal and financial information for women who have experienced domestic violence.

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Table of Contents About Penda .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Other languages ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 9

Safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Do you need help? .................................................................................................................................. 10

Are you at risk of harm? ....................................................................................................................... 11

Your safety at court .............................................................................................................................. 11

Do you need a safety plan before separation? ........................................................................... 14

Do you need a safety plan after separation? .............................................................................. 17

Are you safe when using technology? ........................................................................................... 19

How to be safe when using technology ........................................................................................ 21

Domestic and family violence ........................................................................................................... 25

What is domestic and family violence? ......................................................................................... 25

What are the types of DFV? .......................................................................................................... 25

What is a domestic and family violence order? ......................................................................... 27

Money ....................................................................................................................................................... 28

Emergency Money ................................................................................................................................. 28

Money safety plan ................................................................................................................................. 30

Do you need a money safety plan before separation? ....................................................... 30

Do you need a money safety plan immediately after separation? ................................ 31

Banking ....................................................................................................................................................... 32

Centrelink and child support ............................................................................................................. 34

Employment and Study........................................................................................................................ 37

Financial Hardship ................................................................................................................................. 38

Loans ........................................................................................................................................................... 41

Business Debts ................................................................................................................................... 42

Car Loans .............................................................................................................................................. 44

Consumer leases ................................................................................................................................ 47

Credit cards .......................................................................................................................................... 49

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Joint debts ............................................................................................................................................ 53

Mortgages ............................................................................................................................................. 54

Personal Loans and Payday Loans .............................................................................................. 57

Preparing to see a financial counsellor ......................................................................................... 59

Utilities and Bills ..................................................................................................................................... 61

Electricity, gas and water ............................................................................................................... 61

Other bills ............................................................................................................................................. 64

Phones .................................................................................................................................................... 65

Your financial future and confidence with money ................................................................... 66

First steps .............................................................................................................................................. 66

Rebuild your confidence: take charge of your money ........................................................ 67

Budgeting .............................................................................................................................................. 68

Your future ........................................................................................................................................... 69

Wills, insurance, superannuation and power of attorney ..................................................... 71

Wills ......................................................................................................................................................... 71

Insurance ............................................................................................................................................... 71

Superannuation .................................................................................................................................. 71

Power of attorney ............................................................................................................................. 72

Visa and Immigration ........................................................................................................................... 73

Resources .................................................................................................................................................. 73

Children ................................................................................................................................................... 74

Childcare.................................................................................................................................................... 74

Child support ........................................................................................................................................... 75

Legal Matters ......................................................................................................................................... 77

Children ..................................................................................................................................................... 77

Preparing to see a lawyer about parenting matters ................................................................ 77

Domestic and Family Violence Orders ......................................................................................... 78

Tips........................................................................................................................................................... 78

How can you get a domestic and family violence order? .................................................. 79

Once you have a domestic and family violence order ........................................................ 85

Property Settlement ............................................................................................................................. 85

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Tips........................................................................................................................................................... 85

What do I need to know about property settlement? ........................................................ 86

What can be included in a property settlement? .................................................................. 86

Four step process .............................................................................................................................. 87

Reaching agreement ......................................................................................................................... 88

Preparing to see a lawyer about property settlement ....................................................... 88

Tips........................................................................................................................................................... 88

Spousal or de facto maintenance .................................................................................................... 90

Tips........................................................................................................................................................... 90

What can I ask for? ............................................................................................................................ 90

Wills, insurance, superannuation and power of attorney ................................................. 91

Housing .................................................................................................................................................... 92

Emergency Housing .............................................................................................................................. 92

Support services ................................................................................................................................. 92

If you are renting ................................................................................................................................ 93

If you have a mortgage and/or you own a property .............................................................. 104

You are a borrower on the mortgage ...................................................................................... 104

You are not the owner of the property or a borrower on the mortgage .................. 106

Wellness................................................................................................................................................... 107

Your financial future and confidence with money ............................................................. 107

Wellness tips ...................................................................................................................................... 111

Services and Information .................................................................................................................. 114

Safety and domestic and family violence ................................................................................... 114

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services .................................................................... 114

Culturally and linguistically diverse services ....................................................................... 119

Disability services ............................................................................................................................ 122

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex services ............................................ 125

Safety .................................................................................................................................................... 126

Other Support ................................................................................................................................... 129

Money ....................................................................................................................................................... 133

Consumer, credit and debt legal services .............................................................................. 133

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Credit Reports .................................................................................................................................. 133

Dispute resolution schemes ........................................................................................................ 134

Phones .................................................................................................................................................. 136

Emergency money ........................................................................................................................... 136

Employment ....................................................................................................................................... 137

Money ................................................................................................................................................... 141

Legal services ......................................................................................................................................... 142

National ............................................................................................................................................... 143

State/Territory ................................................................................................................................. 143

Visa and immigration .......................................................................................................................... 151

National ............................................................................................................................................... 151

State/Territory ................................................................................................................................. 151

Children ................................................................................................................................................... 154

Housing .................................................................................................................................................... 155

Emergency housing ......................................................................................................................... 155

Tenancy matters .............................................................................................................................. 156

Wellness................................................................................................................................................... 158

Information ............................................................................................................................................. 159

General information ....................................................................................................................... 159

Legal information ............................................................................................................................. 160

Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 161

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About Penda Penda is a free, simple to use app combining financial, safety and legal information and

referrals for women who have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV)

considering separation or divorce. This booklet is a compilation of Penda App

information and referrals.

This booklet includes legal tips, information and referrals to services on DFV, child

support and parenting, housing and property settlement, visa and immigration, and

finances including emergency money, Centrelink and crisis payments, and managing

money and debt after separation or divorce.

The booklet is for women experiencing DFV in intimate relationships but may also be

helpful for women experiencing DFV in other types of relationships, or those who are

separating or going through divorce. Friends, family, employers and support

people can use this booklet help others.

Penda is a free tool to provide safety, legal and financial information and is not a

replacement for a lawyer, social worker or crisis service.

Penda was developed by Women’s Legal Service Queensland in collaboration with

Financial Rights Legal Centre with funding from Financial Literacy Australia. Penda is

supported by Credit Union Australia.

Disclaimer Penda contains legal information that is current at August 2017. It is always important

to obtain legal advice about your particular circumstances from a solicitor. Laws and

legal practice can change so it is important to obtain up to date legal advice.

This content is meant as a guide only. We do not accept responsibility for any loss

suffered by those relying on this information.

Penda is protected by Australian Copyright Law. All rights reserved.

Words that appears in this font and colour link to other sections of this document.

Words that appear in this font and colour have definitions in the glossary section at the back of this booklet.

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Other languages

Penda is currently only available in English. If you need help in other languages, call:

Translating and Interpreting Service

To call 1800 RESPECT for free in your language. Open all day, every day.

131 450

1800 RESPECT

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

Español – ¿Qué es 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/spanish/ Français – Qu’est-ce que 1800RESPECT ? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/french/

বাাংলা – 1800RESPECT কি?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/bengali/

Hrvatski – Što je 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/croatian/

Thuɔŋjäŋ – Ye akut de 1800RESPECT? Ŋö?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/dinka/

Ελληνικά – Τι είναι η υπηρεσία 1800RESPECT; https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/greek/

हिन्दी – 1800RESPECT क्या िै?

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Italiano – Che cos’è 1800RESPECT?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/hindi/

한국어 – 1800RESPECT은 어떤 곳입니까?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/korean/

ພາສາລາວ – 1800ແຣສເປັກ (1800RESPECT) ແມ່ນຫຍັງ? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/lao/

Македонски – Што е тоа 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/macedonian/

Polski – Czym jest 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/polish/

Português – O que é o 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/portuguese/

Српски – Шта је 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/serbian/

Tagalog – Ano ang 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/tagalog/

தமிழ் – 1800RESPECT என்றால் என்ன? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/tamil/

Tetun – Saida mak 1800RESPECT? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/tetum/

ภาษาไทยI – อะไรคือ 1800RESPECT?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/thai/

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Türkçe – 1800RESPECT nedir? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/turkish/

Tiếng Việt – 1800RESPECT là gì? https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/vietnamese/

简体中文 – 什么是 1800RESPECT？

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/simplified-chinese/

繁體中文 – 何為 1800RESPECT？ https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/traditional-chinese/

ខ្មែរ – ត ើអ្វតីៅជា1800RESPECT?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/khmer/

Bahasa Indonesia – Apa itu 1800RESPECT?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/indonesian/

؟1800RESPECT هي ما

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/arabic/

ست؟ چه1800RESPECT – دری ا

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/dari/

سی ار ست؟ 1800RESPECT – ف ی چ

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/farsi/

یا 1800RESPECT – اردو ہے؟ ک

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/urdu/

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For other services, see culturally and linguistically diverse services.

Acknowledgements

Penda was developed by Women’s Legal Service Queensland in collaboration with

Financial Rights Legal Centre with funding from Financial Literacy Australia. We would

like to thank those who made Penda possible.

We thank Credit Union of Australia for their support of Penda. We thank Penda App

Ambassadors, 1800 RESPECT, Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner (eSafety

Women), WIRE Women’s Information, Australian Securities and Investments

Commission (ASIC), Working Women’s Queensland, each individual state and territory

tenancy advice service, Dorothy Fauls, Teaghan Bankier, Bella Impiazzi, front line

services with whom we consulted and everyone who participated in focus groups and

user testing for their contributions to Penda.

We also thank the services that contributed to the creation and distribution of Penda:

Ruby 6 Graphic Design, TLC Media, Australian Bankers Association, Goliath

Productions, Clayton Utz, SDA National, National Retailers Association,

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the Ithaca Group, Beau Rushton – App Developer,

and WLS staff and volunteers.

Finally, thank you to all the brave women who continue to inspire and inform us.

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Safety

If you, a child or another person are in immediate danger, you should call the police

now on 000.

This section provides information about personal safety, how to make a safety plan,

and how to be safe when using technology.

Do you need help?

You should consider your safety if there has been domestic and family violence (DFV) in

your relationship, you feel unsafe, you are planning to separate or you have just

separated.

Separation can be a dangerous time for you and your children. Read Are you at risk of harm?

If it is safe, you can contact a support service to:

Talk things through confidentially

Get referrals

Help you make a safety plan if you feel unsafe

Help you make a safety plan if you decide to stay or leave

Help you make a money safety plan to leave

Help you get into a refuge or safe housing.

If it is unsafe for you to access a support service, you should read safety plan before separation and safety plan after separation.

You know your situation best and you should trust your instincts if you feel unsafe.

Only you can choose what to do, but knowing about your rights, options, and how to

act safely will help you make the best decision for you and your children.

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Are you at risk of harm?

Some types of behaviour have been linked to an increased risk of serious injury and

death in intimate relationships where there is a history of domestic and family violence (DFV). These risk factors may be present in other types of relationships.

This section does not list all of the risk factors linked to serious injury and death.

Risk factors include:

Strangulation or choking

Access to weapons

Threats to kill you

Threats to burn down your house

Your (ex) partner threatens to harm themselves

Genuine fear your (ex) partner will carry out these threats

Separation

Increase in frequency and severity of violence

Stalking

Extreme sexual jealousy

Abuse of children and pets

Controlling behaviour

If you are planning to separate and any of these behaviours are present in your

relationship, you could be in danger.

If you feel unsafe, you should get support to help you assess your risk and make a

safety plan. This is not a substitute for a risk assessment.

Your safety at court

If you are worried about your safety at court, you should let your lawyer, support

person, and the court know so they can help you. This may also be a part of your

safety plan.

If you are going to court for a family law matter, you should contact the Family Law

Court of Australia or Federal Circuit Court of Australia at least five days before you

have to go to court.

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1300 352 000 enquiries@familylawcourts.gov.au

Live Chat under ‘Online Services’:

Family Court of Australia – Live chat

http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/home Federal Circuit Court of Australia – Live chat

http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/home

For more information, see:

Federal Circuit Court – Safety Brochure

http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/ca65dbb5-517a-46cc-85a1-82799c193e51/FearsforSafety_0315V2.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-ca65dbb5-517a-46cc-85a1-82799c193e51-llWYb0M

If you are going to court for a domestic and family violence matter, you should:

Contact your local police service and the court before your court date to find

out how they can help you. Tell them about your safety concerns

Bring a support person with you

Contact a support service to help you make a safety plan

Contact your local victim support service and find out about the court

process and any available support.

Victim Support Services

ACT

Victim Support ACT

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

1800 822 272 (02) 6205 2066 victimsupport@act.gov.au

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https://www.victimsupport.act.gov.au/home

NSW

Victims Services NSW

Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm.

Victims Access Line

1800 633 063

Aboriginal Contact Line

1800 019 123 vs@justice.nsw.gov.au http://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/

NT

Victims of Crime NT

Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

1800 672 242 https://victimsofcrime.org.au/

QLD

Victims Assist QLD

Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.

1300 546 587 victimassist@justice.qld.gov.au https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/victims-and-witnesses-of-crime

SA

Victim Support Service SA

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

1800 842 846 helpdesk@victimsa.org http://www.victimsa.org/get-help

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TAS

Victims Support Service TAS

1300 663 773 (03) 6165 7524 victims@justice.tas.gov.au http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/victims

VIC

Victims of Crime VIC

Open 8am – 11pm, 7 days a week.

1800 819 817 vsa@justice.vic.gov.au http://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/home/

WA

Victims of Crime WA

Open 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday.

1800 818 988 cvoc@justice.wa.gov.au http://www.victimsofcrime.wa.gov.au/default.aspx

Do you need a safety plan before separation?

Before you take your next steps to separate, think about whether you need to plan for

you and your children’s safety. This is a guide only so you should only do what is safe

and comfortable for you. You should be careful about alerting your (ex) partner if you

take these steps.

If it is safe, you can:

Call a support service to help you with making a safety plan.

o If you cannot call a service, see:

1800 RESPECT: Escape bag checklist

https://www.1800respect.org.au/escape-bag-checklist/login

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Consider money and making a money safety plan.

Think about being safe when using technology such as your mobile phone

or tablet.

Get legal advice to find out your rights and options.

Decide where you will go. Do you have friends, family or neighbours you can

stay with and ask for help? Will you need to stay in a hotel or a refuge? Will you

need to call the police?

o If you do not have any safe housing options, see emergency housing. Decide how you will leave. Will you leave by foot, car or taxi, or with a friend?

Decide how you will find, store and take things with you such as leaving an

overnight bag in the car or with a friend. You should take:

o Your documents (see below)

o Medication for you and your children

o Some cash (enough to cover your living expenses for a few weeks)

o Your valuables (items of sentimental value, jewellery, and photographs)

o Your car keys (take all sets of keys)

o Your children’s special possessions

o Your pets

o All of your devices, including tablets, laptops and phones

o Your household goods—keep a list of what you take

o If you take any property that is in joint names or your (ex) partner’s name

(such as money from joint accounts or a car), it is advisable that you write

and send a letter, email or text to your (ex) partner after you have left (if

safe), explaining that you have taken the item and that it is part of the

property settlement and will be dealt with then. Keep a copy of what

you send.

o You should get legal advice before you do this. Any money from joint

accounts should be spent on reasonable living expenses and you should

keep track of how you spend this money. For more information,

see property settlement.

Try to make arrangements for your pets, work and childcare.

Be careful what documents you sign, even though you may have no choice to do

so. Try to remember what you sign and when.

Record the date you separate from your (ex) partner, or ask someone you trust

to help you remember. This date is important.

Get a safe postal address such as a ‘care of’ address, PO Box or arrange to

redirect your mail with Australia Post (free for one year).

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Australia Post – Redirect your mail

https://auspost.com.au/receiving/manage-your-mail/redirect-hold-mail/redirect-mail/free-mail-redirection

For more support, visit a doctor or a counselling service. This may also help later

with recording and gathering evidence.

What information will you need?

Before you leave, try to get important information and documents that you may need

later. You should get these documents on different days and at different times to avoid

alerting your (ex) partner. Only do this if it is safe for you.

You can copy or photograph the documents, give them to a friend, store them in a safe

physical place, or on a storage device (like a USB), or online storage account linked to a

safe email address.

This can help your future financial security. For tips to help you plan and collect

evidence, see:

eSafety – SmartSafe app

http://www.smartsafe.org.au/help-advice/women/our-smartsafe-app eSafety – Collecting evidence

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/take-control/esafety-planning/collecting-evidence

You may need copies of certain documents for you and your children, such as:

Identification, including your own, your children’s and your (ex) partner’s

Birth certificates

Marriage certificate and any wills

Driver’s licence and car registration papers

Citizenship papers, passport or visa and immigration documents

Centrelink paperwork and reference numbers

Credit cards, bank cards and bank statements

Medicare and health care cards, medical records, and immunisation records

Tax file numbers and tax statements

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Payslips and your (ex) partner’s income and salary package statements and

superannuation statements. If your (ex) partner does cash-in-hand work, find

out as much as you can about where they go for work, how often (pattern of

hours), make and model of their car, how much money they make and who their

clients are.

Property deeds, mortgage or title documents

Other financial documents such as loan documents

Court documents

Do you need a safety plan after separation?

If you have already separated from your (ex) partner, think about whether you need to

plan for you and your children’s safety. This is a guide only so you should only do what is

safe and comfortable for you.

If it is safe, you can:

Call a support service to help you with making a safety plan.

Consider money and making a money safety plan.

Try to make arrangements with work and childcare.

Get legal advice to find out your rights and options.

If you are not in safe housing, see emergency housing.

Record the date you separated from your (ex) partner, or ask someone you trust

to help you remember. This date is important.

If you are staying in the home you shared with your (ex) partner, think about

how your (ex) partner can access your home:

o Change the locks

o Install sensor lights, window bars, locks, an alarm and chain on your

doors

o Make sure you have working fire alarms and a fire extinguisher

o Secure access to your electricity/water meter

o Put padlocks and chains on your gates

Think about your safety when using technology.

o Turn off tracking on your phone (for example Google Maps or Find my

iPhone)

o Update your social media account: update your privacy settings, have a

non-identifying photo, change your city, do not post personal details and

do not allow tagging

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o Turn off or cover your webcam

o Password protect your accounts

Provide copies of any court documents to the below agencies. Ask these

agencies not to provide your personal details to your (ex) partner and to update

your safe contact details.

o School and childcare

o Employers

o Utility companies

o Online accounts linked to previous joint accounts. For example, travel

cards that are automatically topped up

o Mobile phone company (you can change your number for free)

o Banks (your (ex) partner can track you through the use of ATMs, EFTPOS

and any services such eToll, eTag and public transport if linked to their

account or the joint account)

o Centrelink and myGov (use the myGov app or go into a Centrelink office)

o Doctor (including immunisation register) and dentist surgery

o Medicare

o Insurance companies (health, car, home and contents, life, and funeral)

o Superannuation

o Department of Transport – update ownership details

o Australian Tax Office – tell them if you have separated

o Police

o Australian Electoral Commission (you can be a silent elector)

o Any support services you have been in contact with

o Pets (check the microchip register):

Pet Address

http://www.petaddress.com.au/

You can get new copies of important documents from the relevant agency such

as your state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry, Australian Tax

Office and Passport Office. You may have to pay.

If you took any property that was in joint names or your (ex) partner’s name

(such as money from joint accounts or a car), it is advisable that you write and

send a letter, email or text to your (ex) partner (if safe), explaining that you have

taken the item and that it is part of the property settlement and will be dealt

with then. Keep a copy of what you send.

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You should get legal advice before you do this. Any money from joint accounts

should be spent on reasonable living expenses and you should keep track of

how you spend this money. For more information, see property settlement.

For a checklist, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Divorce and separation financial checklist

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/life-events/divorce-and-separation/divorce-and-separation-financial-checklist?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

Are you safe when using technology?

If you do not feel safe when using technology such as phones, computers, or email, you

might be at risk of technology abuse. This is a guide only.

To find out if you are at risk of technology abuse, see:

eSafety – Online abuse

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/take-control/online-abuse/red-flags-are-you-at-risk

Have your passwords stopped working? Someone might have hacked your

device and changed the passwords so that you cannot get into your accounts.

Have you been given a new computer or phone? Sometimes a phone with

location tracking is given to a child after separation, or you may receive offers to

‘fix’ your computer or phone.

Are you receiving abusive emails or texts from strangers or anonymous senders?

Have you found a fake social media account in your name?

Have you found evidence of unusual activity in your email account? For example,

you might have unread emails that you know you have read, or emails that have

been sent or deleted from your account, but not by you.

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Has your computer started running very slowly? It could be caused by malware

and spyware running in the background.

Is your phone not working properly? Does it take too long to turn off, or does the

battery run out of power more quickly than it should? Your phone could have

tracking software on it that slows things down.

Does your (ex) partner know a lot about what you are doing? Does your (ex)

partner know more than they should about where you are, or who you are

talking to online, by email or text, or on the phone?

If you answered yes to some of the above and you feel unsafe, you should contact

a support service and read how to be safe when using technology.

To find out more information, see:

eSafety – Take control

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/take-control

WESNET – Safety net

http://wesnet.org.au/safetynet/safetynetdocs/

1800 RESPECT – Tech tips for increasing security

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/tech-tips-for-increasing-security/

This content has been developed with permission from the Office of the Children’s

eSafety Commissioner. We thank them for allowing us to use this in Penda.

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How to be safe when using technology This information might help you keep yourself and your children safe when using

technology. This is a guide only. You can:

Internet

Use the private browsing option.

Delete your browsing history.

Use the internet at a safe place, such as a trusted person’s place, internet cafe or

public library.

For more information, see:

eSafety – Internet

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/lifestyle/using-your-device/web-browsers

Devices

Set strong passcodes and passwords for all of your own devices and your

children’s devices, change your passwords frequently and do not share them

with anyone. Do not use birthdates, or the names of your children, pets or

favourite things. Use two words together with numbers or symbols (*&^) in the

middle of the words. If you are worried you might forget your new passwords,

leave a list of them with someone you trust or at a safe place, such as a trusted

person’s house.

Add passwords to all computers and laptops.

Add a new passcode to your phone or tablet and set your auto-lock to one or

two minutes.

Turn off location services on your phone and computer, and do not ‘check in’

through your social media accounts. If you think your (ex) partner is tracking

your location through your device, consider leaving the device at home as often

as you can, especially if you are going to a service, friend or to the police for

help.

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For more information, see:

eSafety – Phones and tablets

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/lifestyle/know-your-device/phones-and-tablets

eSafety – Laptops and computers

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/lifestyle/know-your-device/laptops-and-computers

Email

Use your old email accounts for normal use that will not make your (ex) partner

suspicious.

Create a new email account that does not include your real name; for example,

use whitelillies@email.com, but not YourRealName@email.com. Use this email

for safety planning and when setting up any new bank accounts or contacting

Centrelink. If you need to use another email to verify your identity, use a

trusted friend or family member’s email and avoid using any email addresses or

phone numbers your (ex) partner may have access to.

Be careful about opening attachments in emails and messages.

For more information, see:

eSafety – Emails

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/lifestyle/using-your-device/email

Social Media

Be aware of your privacy when posting online—avoid posting identifying

information, including photos.

Block unknown or abusive people, and use the highest level security and privacy

settings on your accounts to make sure your posts are only seen by the people

you choose. Only add ‘friends’ you trust not to communicate with your (ex)

partner.

Use the privacy settings on your social media accounts.

23

For more information, see:

eSafety – Social media safety tips

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/lifestyle/using-your-device/email

Spyware

Use a safe device for all important communication if you think spyware is on

your devices and your children’s devices. If possible, get a new device, even if it

is a very old or basic model, and get a prepaid service and make sure the bill is in

your name so it does not go to your (ex) partner. You can use your safe email

account instead.

Install anti-virus protection on all your devices and your children’s devices as

this can help block spyware.

Check which programs and software are loaded on your devices; remove any

that you did not put there yourself; seek help from a tech expert if you cannot

find or remove the unknown programs; if necessary do a ‘factory reset’ to send

the device back to ‘as new’ (remember to back up important data first).

If you are not confident your phone or computer is safe, find a safer phone or

computer. Consider using a public library computer or a trusted person’s

computer or device.

For more information, see:

Communications – Stay Smart Online

https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/

SmartSafe

http://www.smartsafe.org.au/

Your next steps

You are in the best position to know if things are not right, and to take control of your

online experience. If something does not feel right, contact a support service for

help.

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For more information, see:

eSafety – Take control

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/take-control

WESNET – Safety net

http://wesnet.org.au/safetynet/safetynetdocs/

1800 RESPECT – Tech tips for increasing security

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/tech-tips-for-increasing-security/

This content has been developed with permission from the Office of the Children’s

eSafety Commissioner. We thank them for allowing us to use this in Penda.

25

Domestic and family violence This section provides information about domestic and family violence (DFV) that

may be relevant to you.

It is important to recognise that DFV can impact you and your children. If you find this

information too overwhelming or distressing, you should seek support at an

appropriate and safe time for you.

What is domestic and family violence?

DFV is abuse committed by one person against another person. It is about having

power and control over another person which causes fear and intimidation. The abuse

can occur in different ways.

It can happen in intimate relationships, family relationships or carer relationships.

The content of this app is related to intimate relationships but can be relevant for

other relationships.

There might be DFV in your intimate relationship if your (ex) partner monitors or

tracks you, makes you feel scared, fearful, intimidated or controlled, or otherwise

makes you feel unsafe.

What are the types of DFV?

We have listed some examples of abuse you and your children might have experienced.

If you are unsure about your relationship, or want to talk to someone about your

experience, you can get support.

Your ex (partner) might coerce or control you by:

o Following you (stalking you)

o Knowing where you are all the time

o Going into your personal information, such as your email account

o Harassing you with calls, texts or emails

o Preventing you from seeing your friends or family

Your ex (partner) might financially abuse you by:

o Giving you a small budget or no money at all

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o Controlling your finances

o Monitoring your spending

o Stopping you from working or studying

o Stopping you from making financial decisions

o Stopping you from accessing bank accounts, cash, pensions or benefits

o Demanding money from you

o Keeping your property

o Forcing you to sign documents and take on debts

Your (ex) partner might emotionally or psychologically abuse you by:

o Manipulating you

o Emotionally blackmailing you

o Threatening to release intimate images or videos of you

o Threatening to ‘out’ you if you are in a same sex relationship

o Playing ‘mind games’ to make you think you are crazy – this is called

gaslighting

o Making threats to kill or harm themselves to control your behaviour

Your (ex) partner might neglect you if they are your carer by:

o Refusing to help you with your daily tasks such as not caring for you or

not taking you to your appointments

o Helping you with your daily tasks in a hurtful way

o Keeping your medication from you

o Insisting on going into your appointments with you against your wishes

Your (ex) partner might physically abuse you by:

o Hitting, punching, shoving, kicking, flogging or bashing you

o Spitting at you

o Strangling or choking you

o Damaging property and your disability aids such as wheelchairs

o Hurting your pets

Your (ex) partner might try and control your reproductive choices by:

o Forcing you to fall pregnant or to terminate a pregnancy

o Forcing you to use or not use birth control

Your (ex) partner might sexually abuse you by:

o Touching you or kissing you without your consent

o Forcing you to have sex

o Forcing you to do something that you do not want to do

Your (ex) partner might spiritually abuse you by:

o Forcing you to join a group

o Stopping you from practicing your faith

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o Stopping you from participating in your culture

o Speaking badly about you in your community

Your (ex) partner might socially abuse you by:

o Keeping you from your friends or family

o Not allowing you to contact your friends or family

o Humiliating or shaming you in public

Your (ex) partner might use systems to abuse you by:

o Repeatedly threatening to or taking you to court

o Threatening to use or manipulate the legal system against you, such as

threatening to deport you

o Threatening to report you to the authorities, such as the Child Support

Agency to reduce or prevent your payment

Your (ex) partner might use technology to abuse you by:

o Sharing or threatening to share intimate photos of you (image based

abuse)

o Tracking you on your devices

o Putting spyware on your devices

Your (ex) partner might use threats and intimidation to make you feel

fearful by:

o Making threats to commit DFV

o Trying to intimidate you by standing over you for example

Your (ex) partner might verbally abuse by:

o Using bad or offensive language towards you

o Name calling

o Putting you down

o Yelling or screaming at you

You have a right to feel safe. These behaviours can extend into other areas of your life

such as your work life. These behaviours are not part of a healthy relationship and you

can separate at any time. Read safety for more information.

What is a domestic and family violence order? See Legal: Domestic and family violence orders.

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Money This section provides information about money that may be relevant to you. You may

have problems with money because of financial abuse.

You can get support and legal advice to help you.

Emergency Money There are services that can help you if you need emergency money to pay for food, bills

or transport, and if you are experiencing severe financial hardship.

Community organisations

To find your closest community organisation, you can:

Contact the Department of Social Services and ask to be put through to your

local emergency relief service or select ‘financial crisis’ and ‘material aid’.

Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm

1300 653 227

http://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and referrals through the

National Debt Helpline.

o Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

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ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Centrelink

Contact Centrelink to find out if you are eligible for any benefits or crisis payments.

You need to act quickly because there are time limits; you have to apply for crisis

payments within seven days of the crisis event.

These payments should go into a bank account that is in your name only. It will help to

talk with a Centrelink social worker and tell them that you are experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).

13 28 50

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/centrelink

No interest loan scheme (NILS)

If you have a health care card or pension card, you may be able to borrow some money

through the no interest loan scheme (NILS). NILS can lend money ($300 – $1,200) for

household goods and education essentials.

136 457

http://nils.com.au/

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Money safety plan

This section provides information about putting together a money safety plan to

help build a better financial future for you and your children. Your next steps will

depend on what is safe for you. This is a guide only.

You can take these steps whether you stay in the relationship or leave the relationship

but you should be careful about alerting your (ex) partner to what you are doing.

Do you need a money safety plan before separation?

If it is safe for you, you can:

Call a domestic violence support service to help you make a money safety plan.

o If you cannot call a service, see:

1800 RESPECT: Escape bag checklist

https://www.1800respect.org.au/escape-bag-checklist/login

Gather and/or copy personal documents and keep them in a safe place. Before

you do this, read safety plan – before. If it is not safe to do this, try and

remember what is written in the documents. This will help you to get the best

possible advice later.

Change your banking details.

o Open a new account in your name only and put a small amount of money

away. This can be done online or at a branch. Make sure any letters they

send you will go to a safe address.

o Find a safe place to keep money and other valuables; give it to a trusted

friend or family member or put it in a safe place.

o See banking.

Be careful about getting any loans and taking on any debt (in case you cannot

afford to repay it). If your (ex) partner forces you get a loan, try to remember

what you sign and when. See loans.

Check your credit report regularly to see whether your partner has any debt in

your name. See credit reports. Please note: if you check your credit report,

your updated contact details will be provided to your creditors.

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Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

Do you need a money safety plan immediately after separation?

If it is safe for you, you can:

Call a domestic violence support service to help you make a money safety plan.

Gather and/or copy personal documents and keep them in a safe place. Before

you do this, read safety plan – before. If it is not safe to do this, try and

remember what is written in the documents. This will help you get the best

possible advice.

Get access to money. This is very important. See emergency money.

Protect or change important passwords and security questions, PINs, and tax

file numbers for all accounts. Disconnect your (ex) partner’s device from your

accounts. See safety when using technology to find out how to do this

safely.

Change your mailing addresses (email and postal). You should then update the

relevant organisations and tell them about your safety concerns. See safety plan – after.

Banking

o Open a new bank account.

o Update the bank about your situation and give them your new contact

details.

o Make sure your income and any payments go into this account.

o See banking. Check any joint accounts and line of credit/redraw facilities. Think about

‘freezing’ (putting on hold) joint accounts. Ask the bank to get both account

holder’s signatures before anyone can withdraw money.

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If you have a credit card in your name, cancel any additional cards. See credit cards.

If your name is not on the title of the property and you have been contributing

to the home, think about lodging a caveat to protect your interest in the home.

o Get legal advice if you think your (ex) partner will sell or transfer the

property.

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

Learn how to budget and manage your money. See confidence with money.

For more information, read money.

Banking

This section provides information about deposit accounts (for example, a savings or

cheque account). Information about credit cards, loans and mortgages are in other

sections in money.

Tips

Read:

ASIC’s Money Smart – Banking

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/banking

Tell your bank that you are experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) if you feel safe and comfortable to do so

Ask the bank what they can do to help you

Tell the bank that your information must be kept confidential

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Do you have your own bank account?

After you separate, you should update your contact details with the bank and in

your online accounts. Disconnect your (ex) partner’s device from your accounts.

If you do not have your own bank account, think about opening an account in

your own name if it is safe. This can be done online or at a branch. Make sure

that your new account is at a different bank and branch than your (ex) partner’s.

You will need to show identification (100 points). You can ask the bank what

they will need.

Department of Human Services – Confirm your identity

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/confirm-your-identity

You should think about having a safe PIN, password and security questions.

Read tech safety to find out how to do this.

Your Centrelink payments and income should go into your new account.

Update any direct debit payments so that they come out of your new account.

Do you have a joint account?

Your (ex) partner can track your use of ATMs and other EFTPOS payments if

you use the joint account.

You should tell the bank you have separated, and if you have experienced DFV.

If you have a joint account with your (ex) partner, you should check the

authorisations for the account. If you have moved your money and income into

another account you can leave the account as joint. If you want to protect

money in a joint account, ask the bank to change the access requirements so

both account holders have to agree to access the account, both at the branch

and online. Your (ex) partner will be told about this change, so make sure you

are safe.

If you take money from the joint account, you should put it in your own account.

This money should be spent on reasonable living items and you should keep

track of how you spend it.

If your joint account is overdrawn or there is an overdraft and you are

struggling to repay it, you can contact the bank and ask about financial hardship assistance.

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For more information about contacting and dealing with banks, see:

Doing it tough – Contact your bank

http://www.doingittough.info/Contact-your-bank.html

Centrelink and child support

This section provides information about Centrelink and child support.

Tips

If you are safe and feel comfortable, you can tell them that you are experiencing

domestic and family violence (DFV) and update them about your new

circumstances, contact details and your safety concerns

Password protect your myGov account and disconnect your (ex) partner’s

device from your accounts

Separate your Job Network account from Centrelink so your (ex) partner

cannot find your contact details

Update your Medicare card and children’s health and immunisation records

Centrelink payments

To find out if you could be eligible for any payments, you should:

Contact Centrelink to find out more information:

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/centrelink

Go into a Centrelink office and speak with a social worker. Tell them you are

experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV), financial hardship, and that you may be separating and have safety concerns.

Apply as soon as possible as there are time limits for some payments. Read crisis payments.

Make sure the payments go into a bank account in your name only.

35

If you are receiving Centrelink payments, you should:

Tell Centrelink about any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible.

Make sure your payments go into a bank account in your name only.

Ask Centrelink to disconnect your (ex) partner’s device from your accounts.

Go into a Centrelink office and speak with a social worker and say that you are

experiencing DFV, financial hardship, and that you may be separating and have

safety concerns.

Act quickly as there are time limits for some payments. Read crisis payments.

If you are struggling with your money, you can ask to speak with a Centrelink

Information Service Officer.

Crisis Payments

For more information about crisis payments, see:

Department of Human Services – Crisis payments

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/crisis-payment

If you receive Centrelink payments, you may be able to get a Centrelink crisis

payment if you are experiencing severe financial hardship because of

domestic and family violence (DFV). Centrelink has criteria that you must

satisfy to get this payment.

It is helpful to speak with a social worker and say that you are experiencing

DFV and financial hardship.

To get a crisis payment you have to contact Centrelink within seven days of the

crisis event. You then have to apply for the payment within 14 days of contacting

Centrelink.

You should register your intention to claim a crisis payment with Centrelink

ahead of time. You can do this by calling Centrelink:

13 28 50

You can apply for crisis payments four times a year.

If you have any problems with getting this payment you should contact a

support service.

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Child Support

If you already receive Centrelink payments, Centrelink might say that you have

to ask for child support from the other parent.

If there is domestic and family violence (DFV), it might not be safe for you

to ask for child support from the other parent. You can ask Centrelink for an

exemption so that you do not have to ask the other parent. You can always

change your mind later.

It will help to go into a Centrelink office to speak with a social worker and tell

them if you are experiencing DFV.

The other parent may ask for child support from you if the children are living

with them. If this happens, you can get legal advice or speak with the Child

Support Agency and Centrelink.

You can contact the Child Support Agency:

131 272

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/contact-us/phone-us#childsupport

Read Child support

Centrelink debt and fraud

You may have a Centrelink debt because of financial abuse.

If you did not tell Centelink about changes in your circumstances, you may have

to pay back your Centrelink debt. For example, if you were getting single

parenting payments, but you started living with your (ex) partner again and did

not tell Centrelink. You may be able to appeal (challenge) Centrelink’s decision

if it was incorrectly made. You should get legal advice.

If you have a debt because of domestic and family violence (DFV), you can

ask Centrelink to waive the debt.

If Centrelink charges you with fraud (a criminal offence) because of the debt,

you should get legal advice as soon as possible, especially before you talk to

or see Centrelink.

To find a free financial counsellor for help with the debt, contact the National

Debt Helpline:

37

o Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you should let

the counsellor know. They can tell you about specific services.

Employment and Study Are you an employer?

If you are an employer, you must meet workplace health and safety and industrial

obligations when responding to situations of domestic and family violence (DFV).

You can support employees by helping them maintain employment so they can be safe

and financially secure.

What can I do?

You can learn about best practice responses to support employees experiencing

DFV by contacting DV Work Aware, a Working Women’s Centre in your state

or territory, or the Fair Work Ombudsman.

An example of a best practice response is having up-to-date referral

information about local and crisis support services.

For information about services, see employment.

Are you an employee?

Experiencing DFV can lead to under-performing at work, needing to take leave or have

flexible work arrangements, or requiring safety measures whilst at work. This may

affect your ability to work and to build your financial security.

What can I do?

If you do not feel comfortable talking to your employer and asking for support,

you can contact DV Work Aware for support.

If you do feel comfortable talking to your employer, ask your human resources

department or your supervisor if your workplace has a DFV policy.

38

Your workplace does not need to know the details of your situation, but may ask

for a letter from your doctor, social worker or lawyer saying that you are

experiencing DFV. This can help to explain your circumstances and why you

may need to make some changes.

If you are having problems with your workplace, you can contact your union, DV

Work Aware, a Working Women’s Centre in your state or territory, or another

service for further support and advice.

If you are not currently working, you can read how to increase your confidence with money to find out how to get back into the workforce and

seek support.

For information about services, see employment.

Are you a student?

Your place of study may have a counselling or support service to provide you with

support.

Financial Hardship What is financial hardship?

Financial hardship happens when you do not have enough money to pay your

bills, loans and debts when they are due. This may have happened because of financial abuse and domestic and family violence (DFV).

How can I apply for help?

If you are having trouble making repayments or paying your bills, you can contact your

utility provider or bank and find out about their financial hardship assistance programs

to help you.

If you are safe and feel comfortable, you can also tell them that you are experiencing

DFV.

You can speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline:

39

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know. They can tell you about specific services. You can also contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

If you have problems with your lender, your request for a financial hardship

arrangement can be reviewed. You can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution

scheme.

General

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

Electricity, gas and water

ACT

ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal

40

(02) 6207 1740

https://www.acat.act.gov.au/

NSW

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW

1800 246 545

https://www.ewon.com.au/

NT

Ombudsman NT

1800 806 380

http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/

QLD

Energy and Water Ombudsman QLD

1800 662 837

http://www.ewoq.com.au/

SA

Energy Industry Ombudsman SA

1800 665 565

http://www.ewosa.com.au/

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TAS

Energy Ombudsman TAS

1800 001 170

http://www.energyombudsman.tas.gov.au/

VIC

Energy and Water Ombudsman VIC

1800 500 509

https://www.ewov.com.au/

WA

Energy and Water Ombudsman WA

1800 117 000

http://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/

Loans

This section includes information about debts. You may have debts that either you,

your (ex) partner, or both of you are liable for. Debts can be part of the property

settlement pool. You may have debt because of domestic and family violence (DFV).

For more information about debts, see:

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ASIC’s MoneySmart – Managing debts

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/trouble-with-debt#talk?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

Business Debts

If you have business debts, you may need legal advice from a private solicitor. The

business may form part of the property settlement.

You should get legal advice if you are worried that you may be responsible for any

business debts or if the business is still operating and you have signed loans or

guarantees.

You can contact your state or territory law society to find a private solicitor.

ACT

ACT Law Society

(02) 6274 0300

https://www.actlawsociety.asn.au/

NSW

NSW Law Society

(02) 9926 0333

https://www.lawsociety.com.au/

43

NT

Law Society NT

(08) 8981 5104

http://lawsocietynt.asn.au/

QLD

QLD Law Society

1300 367 757

https://www.qls.com.au/Home

SA

Law Society of SA

(08) 8229 0200

https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/

TAS

Law Society of TAS

(03) 6234 4133

http://lst.org.au/

VIC

Law Institute of VIC

(03) 9607 9311

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https://www.liv.asn.au/

WA

Law Society of WA

(08) 9324 8600

https://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/

Car Loans This section provides information about car loans.

Is the loan in both of your names?

If the loan is in both of your names and you have the car, your (ex) partner may

stop making payments and the car may be repossessed (taken back by the

lender). If you want to keep the car, you will need to make payments or make an

affordable repayment plan with the loan company and your (ex) partner, if it is

safe.

If the loan is in both of your names and your (ex) partner has the car but is still

making payments, you could monitor the loan by getting statements sent to you.

While the loan is being repaid you are not at risk of debt collection or a

default being listed on your credit report.

If your (ex) partner is not making payments, the car will be repossessed (taken

back by the lender) and sold. You may need to make a repayment plan for any

unpaid debt or apply for a waiver.

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help through the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

45

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should tell the

counsellor. They can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

You should get legal advice if:

o You could not afford the loan when it was first given to you

o The loan money was used by someone else

o You or your (ex) partner have a lease over the car rather than a loan

IMPORTANT: If the lender is threatening to repossess your car, you can make a

complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to stop this from happening. The

lender cannot repossess the car while your dispute is being considered.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

Is the loan in your (ex) partner’s name only?

If the loan is in your (ex) partner’s name only, and they have the car, your (ex)

partner is responsible for payments.

46

If the loan is in your (ex) partner’s name only and you have the car, your (ex)

partner may stop making payments and the car may be repossessed (taken

back by the lender). You may be able to negotiate with your (ex) partner about

this, if it is safe.

If you can afford to pay the loan and you have the car, you may want to make

the payments so you can keep the car. You should think about getting the car

registered into your name. Your (ex) partner may need to agree to this.

Is the loan in your name only?

If the car loan is in your name only, you are responsible for payments.

If you can no longer afford the payments, ask the lender if you can make an affordable

repayment plan.

You can tell the lender that you are experiencing financial hardship because of

domestic and family violence (DFV). You should keep making the payments you

can afford.

You can ask for an affordable repayment plan where:

You make smaller payments or stop your payments for a short time and pay

more later

You make smaller payments and pay off your loan over a longer time

You will need to either start making your usual payments again after a few months, or

finish paying the loan in a reasonable time. If you cannot afford the loan, you may need

to think about surrendering the car (giving it back to the lender).

If the lender will not agree to a repayment plan or the lender is threatening

to repossess your car (take it back), you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to stop this from happening. The car cannot be repossessed

while your dispute is being considered.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

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Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

You can speak with a free financial counsellor for help negotiating with your lender

through the National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should tell the

counsellor. They can tell you about specific services. You can also contact:

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

If you no longer have the car, or do not want it, you can tell the lender that the car can

be repossessed (taken back). If your (ex) partner has the car, you should think about

your safety before you do this and get legal advice.

If the car is repossessed (or given back to the lender) you may still have a debt. If you

cannot afford to pay this debt, follow the same steps as for when you cannot afford

your payments. You may also be able to apply for a waiver of the debt, depending on

your financial situation.

Consumer leases

A consumer lease is a contract that lets you rent an item (like a laptop or mobile phone)

for a period of time, usually between one and four years. You make regular rental

payments (usually fortnightly) until the lease ends.

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For more information about consumer leases, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Consumer leases

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/other-types-of-credit/consumer-leases?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

You should get advice about your consumer lease if:

You could not afford the lease when it was first given to you

The goods have been lost, stolen or pawned

When you got the lease, the goods were for someone else (not you)

You can tell the lender if you are in financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV), and ask to make an affordable repayment plan.

If the lender will not agree to a repayment plan or the lender is threatening to

repossess your goods (take them back), you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to stop this from happening. The goods cannot be repossessed

while your dispute is being considered.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

If you cannot afford your repayments, speak with a free financial counsellor for help

through the National Debt Helpline

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

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1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Credit cards

This section provides information about credit cards. For more information about

credit cards, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Credit cards

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/credit-cards?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

When you have a credit card, you can either be the primary cardholder, the secondary

cardholder, or a joint cardholder. If you do not know which type of cardholder you are,

you should call the lender.

Are you the primary cardholder?

If you are the primary cardholder, you owe the debt.

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If your (ex) partner has a secondary card, you should cancel it. You can ask the

lender to cancel the card. You should write down who you spoke to and when.

You can tell the lender if you are in financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV) and ask to make an affordable repayment

plan. You can speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the

National Debt Helpline:

o Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Are you the secondary cardholder?

If you are the secondary cardholder, you do not owe the debt and do not need

to make repayments.

If your (ex) partner or the lender is pressuring you to make payments, you can

speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

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o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Are you a joint cardholder?

If you are a joint cardholder, you jointly owe the debt. This means if the other

joint cardholder does not pay, you owe the outstanding balance.

You can tell the lender if you are in financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV) and ask to make an affordable repayment plan.

You can speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the

National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

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1300 365 957

Are you having trouble making credit card payments?

You can ask your lender for help if you cannot afford your payments because of

financial hardship.

Read information about financial hardship.

You can negotiate an affordable repayment plan with the lender. Lenders will

think about long-term repayment plans on credit cards.

The lender may agree to stop charging interest for a period of time if you are

experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV). If your only income is from Centrelink (and your financial situation will not

change), you have no significant assets, and you cannot afford the payments,

you may be able to get the debt waived.

If you ask for financial hardship help and the lender does not agree, or if the

lender is threatening to take legal action, you can make a complaint to a free

dispute resolution scheme. This will also stop the lender starting court

proceedings while the dispute is being considered. If you have already received a

statement of claim or summons from a court, you will need to act as soon as

possible.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

If you cannot afford any of your payments, speak with a free financial

counsellor for help through the National Debt Helpline:

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Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Joint debts

Any debts that you and your (ex) partner get throughout your relationship can be a

part of the property settlement pool.

Be careful about taking on any relationship debt where you might have to pay

for your (ex) partner’s debts. For more information, see:

WIRE Women’s Information – Money and debt

https://www.wire.org.au/money-and-debt/

If you have joint debts, you can ask for a financial hardship agreement

without the other person agreeing. You should get legal advice if someone

tells you that you need the other person’s consent.

If you have a joint loan, this means that you are named on the loan contract

along with someone else, and you are both responsible for the debt. If the other

person does not make repayments, you can be responsible for the whole loan.

The lender should not ask you to contact your (ex) partner after you have told

them about any domestic and family violence (DFV). If the lender does ask

you to contact your (ex) partner and you do not feel safe to do so, tell the lender

you cannot do this and get legal advice.

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If you are not named on the loan contract as a borrower or debtor and you

are not a guarantor that means you are not liable for that debt.

You should get legal advice.

Mortgages

This section provides information about mortgages. You should get legal advice

about your mortgage and read property settlement.

You can ask the lender if you own the property or are the borrower on the mortgage.

You are a borrower on the mortgage Tips

Contact your lender about your options

Contact the National Debt Helpline

Get legal advice

This section provides information about what you can do if your name is on the

mortgage. If your name is on the mortgage, it means you have to make the mortgage

payments.

If you stop making the mortgage payments, the lender may repossess the mortgaged

property. You may be able to come to an agreement with your (ex) partner about the

repayments as part of your property settlement.

What can you do?

You should cancel the redraw facility or change it so the lender will need the

signatures of both borrowers. A redraw facility means you or your (ex) partner can

borrow more money and add it to the mortgage. If you are not sure whether your

mortgage allows this, you should contact your lender to find out.

You should get legal advice if:

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You have received a default notice and 30 days have passed since the date of

the notice

You have received a statement of claim or summons

The lender is threatening court action to repossess your home

Tell the lender if you are in financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV) and ask to make an affordable repayment plan. You can make a

request for financial hardship without the joint debtor agreeing. You should get legal

advice if the lender says you need the co-borrower to agree.

When you talk to your lender, you can ask to:

Reduce your payments temporarily

Reduce your payments until you can afford the usual repayments which means

it will take longer to pay off your loan

Make a payment plan while the home is sold

If the lender will not agree to a repayment plan or is threatening to repossess your

home, you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to review

this decision. This will also stop the lender starting court proceedings while the dispute

is being considered, providing the lender has not obtained a court judgment. Get legal advice.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

Tell the lender you are getting advice and contact the National Debt Helpline to speak

with a free financial counsellor:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

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1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the counsellor

know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

For more information, see:

Legal Aid NSW – Mortgage Stress Handbook

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/mortgage-stress-handbook

You are not the owner of the property or a borrower on the mortgage

What should you do?

If your name is not on the mortgage documents, you are not legally responsible

for the mortgage.

If you have been contributing to the home, you should think about lodging a

caveat to protect your possible interest in the home. You should get legal advice about this as soon as possible, especially if you think your (ex) partner

will sell, transfer or destroy the property.

The property may form part of the property settlement pool.

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Personal Loans and Payday Loans

If you are not named on the loan contract as a borrower or debtor and you are not a

guarantor that means you are not responsible for the debt.

If you have a joint loan, this means that you are named on the loan contract along with

someone else, and you are both responsible for the outstanding debt. If the other

person does not pay you can be responsible for the whole loan. See joint debts.

Do you want a personal loan or a pay day loan?

A personal loan can help you pay for things like a holiday or home renovations. If

you are thinking about getting a personal loan, you should make sure you can

afford to borrow the money and research your options to get the best deal on

interest rates, fees and charges.

For more information about personal loans, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Personal loans

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/other-types-of-credit/personal-loans?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

A pay day loan is a type of personal loan, which is often used to pay bills and

everyday living expenses. A pay day loan is a loan of up to $2,000 that must be

repaid between 16 days and one year. These loans often have high interest

rates and can trap you into needing to borrow over and over again.

For more information about pay day loans, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Pay day loans

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/payday-loans?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

If you are thinking about getting a pay day loan, make sure you have thought

about your other options. Read emergency money. You should never get a

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pay day loan to pay another loan or bill. You should apply for financial hardship.

Do you have a personal loan or pay day loan?

If you could not afford the payments when you got the loan, you should get legal advice.

If you cannot afford the payments, you can tell the lender that you are in

financial hardship because of DFV and ask to make an affordable repayment

plan.

If the lender will not agree to a repayment plan or is threatening to take legal

action, you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to

review the decision. This will stop the lender starting court proceedings while

the dispute is being considered. If you have already received a statement of claim

or summons from a court you will need to act as soon as possible.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

If you cannot afford any payments or need help negotiating with the lender, you

can speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National

Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

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o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Preparing to see a financial counsellor Tips

Collect your financial information

Contact the National Debt Helpline

Find out how to save money

Money problems can happen to anyone—whether you have lost your job or ended a

relationship.

A financial counsellor can provide support, information and advocacy if you are

experiencing financial difficulty. They provide free, confidential and independent

advice to help you organise your finances, budget and find available income support.

Financial counsellors have specific knowledge about credit, loans, debt and bankruptcy

laws.

If it is safe, you should prepare before you speak with a financial counsellor so you can

get the best advice. You can collect information about:

What you own: your home, savings, superannuation, car, shares and other

investments

What you owe: debts including mortgages, loans and credit cards

Your income and expenses

Insurance policies and their value

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Whether you have an up-to-date will

Your financial documents such as pay slips and bank statements

This will give the financial counsellor an overview of your finances so they can offer

you options, but do not worry if you cannot get everything together for the

appointment. You should tell the financial counsellor if you have

experienced domestic and family violence (DFV).

To speak with a free financial counsellor for advice, contact the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

For more information, see:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Budget planner

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/budget-planner?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Money health check

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https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps

Utilities and Bills

This section provides information about what you can do about your bills, utilities and

phones. You should consider contacting these services to update them with your new

contact details and tell them about any safety concerns.

If you are safe and feel comfortable, you can also tell them you are experiencing

domestic and family violence (DFV).

Electricity, gas and water

If you have difficulty paying your bills, you can:

Read about bills and utility providers:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Problems paying your utility bills?

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/trouble-with-debt/problems-paying-your-utility-bills?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

National Debt Helpline – Bills

http://www.ndh.org.au/Debt-problems/Electricity-gas-and-water-bills

Contact your energy and water provider to take your name off the bill or

disconnect the service if you have left the family home. If the provider will not

remove your name, you should get legal advice.

Tell your utility provider that you are experiencing financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV).

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If you have a debt from when you were no longer living in the property, you can

get help to reduce or waive the debt. You can speak with a free financial

counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

Ask the utility provider to make an affordable repayment plan for you based on

your current budget and income. You may be able to get a utility relief grant.

Contact Centrepay, which is a free bill-paying service for people receiving

Centrelink payments to set up automatic payments for your bills. This process

will help if your (ex) partner is pressuring you to give them cash.

Department of Human Services – Centrepay

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/centrepay

If the utility provider does not agree to a financial hardship arrangement, disconnects

your service or threatens you with disconnection, you can have that decision reviewed

by a free dispute resolution service or a tribunal.

ACT

ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal

(02) 6207 1740

https://www.acat.act.gov.au/

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NSW

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW

1800 246 545

https://www.ewon.com.au/

NT

Ombudsman NT

1800 806 380

http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/

QLD

Energy and Water Ombudsman QLD

1800 662 837

http://www.ewoq.com.au/

SA

Energy Industry Ombudsman SA

1800 665 565

http://www.ewosa.com.au/

TAS

Energy Ombudsman TAS

1800 001 170

http://www.energyombudsman.tas.gov.au/

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VIC

Energy and Water Ombudsman VIC

1800 500 509

https://www.ewov.com.au/

WA

Energy and Water Ombudsman WA

1800 117 000

http://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/

Other bills

You can:

Contact the companies to take your name off the bill if you have left the family

home. If they will not take your name off the bill, you should get legal advice.

Think about whether there are other direct debits you need to stop or change to

your new account. If your bank does not cancel a direct debit when you ask, you

should get legal advice.

Update your car registration and toll accounts with your new address and bank

account details. Tell the agency that you do not want these details to be shared

with anyone.

If you are in financial hardship, you can talk to the agency where you are

struggling to pay the bill. Tell them that you are in financial hardship and

experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) and ask for a repayment

arrangement. You can show them your Centrelink payments and any DFV orders.

If you owe money to other places, such as the Australian Tax Office or a law

firm, and you cannot pay or get a repayment arrangement, you can speak with a

free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

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1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

Phones

If you have trouble paying your bills, you can:

Read information about bills:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Problems paying your utility bills?

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/trouble-with-debt/problems-paying-your-utility-bills?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ACCAN – Hardship

https://accan.org.au/hardship-home

If you have left the property and a landline phone is in your name, you should

disconnect the phone by calling the telephone company and updating your

details.

Tell your telephone/mobile phone company that you are experiencing

financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV).

Ask the company to make an affordable repayment plan for you based on your

current budget and income.

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You can speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the

National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

If the telephone or mobile phone company does not accept your financial

hardship claim, you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme:

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

1800 062 058

http://www.tio.com.au/

Your financial future and confidence with money

This section includes information about building your confidence with money.

First steps

If you have experienced financial abuse, you can get support to rebuild your

confidence and your relationship with money.

You can:

Read information about financial abuse:

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WIRE Women’s Information – Women Talk Money

https://www.womentalkmoney.org.au/

WIRE Women’s Information – Money problems with your partner

https://www.wire.org.au/assets/publications/Money-problems-with-your-partner-financial-abuse-info-booklet.pdf

Learn about how you can protect or get your money by reading money safety plan and contacting a support service.

Get legal advice.

Rebuild your confidence: take charge of your money

Managing your money can be a difficult task. By taking one step at a time you

can rebuild your confidence in managing your money.

You might not know where to start, or you might have already taken steps to protect

yourself. No matter where you are starting from, these simple steps and resources can

help you to learn more.

1. Learn to trust yourself again.

2. Make friends with your money. Track where your money is and where it is being

spent.

3. Speak with trusted friends and family about money.

4. Recognise your strengths. You can use your current strategies about spending

money to learn new strategies. If you can count to 10, this means you can learn

to budget!

5. Set yourself a small number of manageable goals over three months. For

example, find the cheapest mobile phone plan or set up your own bank account.

You have the right, the skills and the power to learn about money and build a safe and

financially secure future for you and your children.

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Budgeting

It is a good idea to think about budgeting your money. You can use resources and

support services to help you budget, manage your income and save your money.

You can:

Use:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Budget planner

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/budget-planner?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Money health check

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps

Doing it tough – Your budget tool

http://www.doingittough.info/Financial-Health-Check/Your-Budget.html

Contact or visit your bank to find out about their saver programs for you and

your children.

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and referrals through the

National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can link you in with specific services. You can

also contact:

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Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Your future

You can get yourself more work ready to rebuild your financial future by writing or

updating your resume, getting feedback from a trusted friend or family member and

getting assistance from specialist job coaching services.

Visit:

Department of Human Services has links to job active organisations and other

government and community support services.

Department of Human Services – Looking for work

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/looking-work

Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation that assists women to achieve

financial security by providing a network of support, professional attire and the

development tools to help women in work.

Dress for Success

https://dressforsuccess.org/

My Future provides information about career paths, jobs and industries.

My Future

https://www.myfuture.edu.au/

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Study Assist provides information for people about government assistance

during study. You can contact your state or territory study institutions for

further information.

Study Assist

http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist/

Volunteer Australia provides links to volunteering opportunities which can help

you to rebuild your confidence, skills and connections.

Volunteer Australia

https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

When you are ready, you can also learn about other financial resources and think

about your long-term finances:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Build your wealth

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/invest-smarter/build-your-wealth?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Shares

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/shares?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

Superannuation Guide

https://www.superguide.com.au/

This content has been developed with permission from WIRE Women’s Information.

We thank them for allowing us to use this in Penda.

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Wills, insurance, superannuation and power of attorney

This section provides information about wills, insurance, superannuation and power of

attorney.

Wills

Make or update your will.

Get legal advice.

Insurance

Check if your current home, car, health, life, ambulance and funeral insurance is

what you need. If it is not what you need, you should think about getting

insurance or changing your current cover. If your (ex) partner is a policy holder or beneficiary under an insurance policy, your claim may not be

paid if they caused the loss or damage.

If the insurance on your home or car is in your (ex) partner’s name, check to see

if they have cancelled the policy. If they have, you may need to organise your

own insurance.

Find out who the beneficiaries or next of kin on any of your insurance policies

are and if they need to be changed.

Get legal advice. Contact Insurance Law Service:

1300 663 464

http://insurancelaw.org.au/

Superannuation

Check your policy and if the beneficiaries or next of kin need to be changed.

If you have a binding nomination in place that is in favour of your (ex)

partner, you should think about cancelling it or changing it.

Check if your superannuation fund will let you access your funds early because

of financial hardship. You should not access your superannuation funds to

pay debts without getting advice first about:

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o Whether you are responsible for the debt

o Having a long-term plan to get your finances back on track

Superannuation is a part of the property settlement pool.

Power of attorney

Think about revoking (cancelling) any power of attorney agreements you have

given to your (ex) partner.

Get legal advice.

You should check who is listed as your next of kin on your employment records

and health directive. If it is your (ex) partner, you should think about changing

your next of kin.

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Visa and Immigration This app has been written for citizens and permanent residents of Australia. This

information may still be helpful if you are not a citizen or permanent resident of

Australia.

Some visas allow you to do different things such as study or work. Some visas allow you

to stay in Australia under migration law if you have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). You should get immigration legal advice about this.

For information about support services, see culturally and linguistically diverse services.

For information about legal services, see visa and immigration legal services.

Resources

For more information and fact sheets about DFV and immigration, see:

Department of Immigration and Border Protection – Family violence and your

visa

http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Brin/Part/Family-violence-and-your-visa

Department of Social Services – Family safety pack

https://www.dss.gov.au/family-safety-pack

Refugee Advice and Casework Service – Fact sheets

http://www.racs.org.au/causes/factsheets/

Refugee Council of Australia

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https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/services/information-for-refugees-and-asylum-seekers/legal-information/

Children This section provides legal information about parenting and child support that may be

relevant to you.

See also Legal Matters: Children.

It is also important to recognise that domestic and family violence (DFV) can

impact children. If possible, find a service to support your children. For more

information, see:

1800 RESPECT – Support for children

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-i-get-help-for-a-child-or-young-person-affected-by-violence/

Childcare Where can I find childcare?

To find out about your childcare options and to find a childcare service in your area,

you can:

Contact a support service.

Visit:

My Child Gov

https://www.mychild.gov.au/

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Child support Tips

Apply for child support with the Child Support Agency (CSA)

Speak to a Centrelink social worker if you are worried about domestic and family violence (DFV)

Register any agreement with the CSA for collection

Get legal advice before signing anything

Child support refers to the financial support of children. You, as a parent, can apply

for a child support assessment if you have separated from the other parent.

When you make a child support application, the CSA will look at both parents’ income

and the amount of time you both care for the children.

If you receive Centrelink benefits, you must get child support from the other

parent. You should apply for child support as soon as you can after separation. This is

important because child support is worked out from the date you apply for child

support.

If there is a risk of DFV, you can get an exemption which means that you do not

have to apply for child support from the other parent. You should visit or contact a

Centrelink office and speak to a Centrelink social worker about this.

Contact the Child Support Agency (CSA) on:

131 272

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/contact-us/phone-us#childsupport

Child support assessment

If you think your child support assessment is unfair or needs to be changed, your

situation may fit within one of the special circumstances to get it changed. You should

apply for a change of assessment as soon as you can.

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CSA can assess as far back as 18 months from the date of your application. If you need

them to look back further than 18 months, you should get legal advice.

For more information, see:

Department of Social Services – Child support guide

http://guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide

Child support agreements

It is important that you get legal advice before you enter a child support agreement as

they are difficult to change later. If you reach an agreement with your (ex) partner

about child support and enter a binding child support agreement, this can be registered

with the CSA so that they can collect payments for you.

Once your agreement is registered with the CSA, it is treated the same as a court

order. If you decide to collect child support yourself, the CSA will not be able to collect

missed payments until you register the agreement.

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Legal Matters This section provides information about legal matters that may be relevant to you. If

you need legal advice, see legal services.

Domestic and family violence matters and family law matters (parenting, property and

divorce) are in different courts and are guided by different laws and legislation.

For information about divorce, see:

Federal Circuit Court of Australia – Divorce

http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/family-law-matters/divorce-and-separation/

Children Please refer to Children: Child Support.

Preparing to see a lawyer about parenting matters Tips

Gather your documents

Write down your questions

Contact the lawyer and ask about costs

To make the best use of your time and money, you should prepare before seeing a

lawyer. Private lawyers charge for their time and community legal centres and Legal

Aid commissions are very busy.

You can find a community legal centre, Legal Aid or private lawyer in your state or

territory here.

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If it is safe, it is a good idea to:

Tell them you have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). Write a chronology of events with dates and what happened with as much

detail as you can remember. This can include:

o When you started the relationship

o When you started living together

o When and where you got married

o Any DFV

o Ages and needs of your children

o When you separated

o Any other relevant matters

Be prepared to provide information about the best interests of the children and

what you are seeking.

Be prepared to tell the lawyer what your (ex) partner will say about you and

what they are seeking.

Bring copies of any court documents.

Write down any questions you have.

Call ahead and ask what you should prepare, as well as how much they estimate

it will cost you.

Domestic and Family Violence Orders

Tips

Get support

Keep records of any domestic and family violence (DFV) Get legal advice

What is a domestic and family violence order?

A domestic and family violence order (DFV order) made by a court puts

legal restrictions on people who commit DFV. This means the court can stop a

person from doing things to protect you from threats or acts of DFV. Each state

and territory has different names, procedures and laws for DFV orders.

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You can get a DFV order against your partner or (ex) partner and certain family

members. A DFV order may also cover your children and other people. You

should get legal advice about this.

An order can be final (which can be in place for a certain number of years) or

temporary (until a final order is made).

DFV orders are civil orders. This means that the order is not a criminal charge

on the other person, unless the order is broken. Some DFV is a crime and can be

reported to the police.

An order will have conditions to protect you from DFV, and the police can

enforce them. For example, a DFV order can have conditions to stop the other

person (who the order is against) from approaching you or contacting you.

Get legal advice if your children have been abused and before you speak to

the police and child safety departments, if possible.

How can you get a domestic and family violence order?

For more information, see:

Girls Gotta Know – Orders

http://girlsgottaknow.com.au/relationships/family-and-domestic-violence/family-or-domestic-violence-protection-orders/

ACT

You can get a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer, and filing

at your local magistrates court. You should ask for support and get legal advice before

applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police officers

that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support services may

help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order on

your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

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You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – ACT

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/australian-capital-territory-domestic-violence-orders/

NSW

You can get an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer,

and filing at your local court. You should ask for support and get legal advice

before applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are support

services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police

officers that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support

services may help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order

on your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – NSW

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/new-south-wales-apprehended-domestic-violence-orders/

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NT

You can get a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer, and

filing at the local court. You should ask for support and get legal advice before

applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police officers

that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support services may

help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order on

your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – NT

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/northern-territory-domestic-violence-orders/

QLD

You can get a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVO) by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer,

and filing at your local magistrates court. You should ask for support and get

legal advice before applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are

support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police

officers that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support

services may help you to speak with the police.

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Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order

on your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – QLD

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/queensland-domestic-violence-protection-orders/

SA

You can get an Intervention Order by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer,

and filing at your local magistrates court. You should ask for support and get

legal advice before applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are

support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police

officers that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support

services may help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order

on your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – SA https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-

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protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/south-australia-intervention-orders/

TAS

You can get a Family Violence Order (FVO) by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer, and

filing at your local magistrates court. You should ask for support and get legal advice

before applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police officers

that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support services may

help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order on

your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – TAS

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/tasmania-family-violence-orders/

VIC

You can get a Family Violence Intervention Order by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer,

and filing at your local magistrates court. You should ask for support and get

legal advice before applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are

support services.

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Asking the police to apply on your behalf. Some police stations may have police

officers that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support

services may help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order

on your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – VIC

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/victoria-family-violence-intervention-orders/

WA

You can get a Violence Restraining Order by:

Filling out an application form yourself, or with a support person or a lawyer, and

filing at your local court. You should ask for support and get legal advice before

applying. You can contact the court to find out if there are support services.

Asking the police to apply on your behalf for an order. Some police stations may have

police officers that are trained in DFV. You should ask to speak to them. Support

services may help you to speak with the police.

Calling the police during an emergency. They can apply for an appropriate order on

your behalf.

You can register your order in another state or territory.

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s schools and childcare centre.

For more information, see:

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1800 RESPECT – WA

https://www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/how-can-a-protection-order-help-stop-the-violence/western-australia-violence-restraining-orders/

Once you have a domestic and family violence order

You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times and give copies to your

children’s school and childcare centre.

If the other person has breached the order, you should report the breach to the

police (ask for the incident report). A breach is when the other person does

something the order says they should not do. This can be a criminal offence. You

should keep copies or record details of any breaches.

If you are the other person on the order, you should not breach the conditions

of the order.

If you had to leave the house without all of your belongings, you may be able to

get a condition as part of your order to return and collect personal belongings.

Sometimes the police can help you even if you do not have an order. You should

contact your local police station to find out.

If you have an order and you move to another state or territory, you may be able

to register your order in that state or territory. You should get legal advice. about this.

Property Settlement

Tips

Prepare before seeing a lawyer

Think about Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), if it is safe

Get legal advice

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What do I need to know about property settlement?

If you have separated and you share property with your (ex) partner, you can divide it.

This is called a property settlement.

For more information, see:

Relationships Australia – A fair share

http://www.relationships.org.au/relationship-advice/publications/a_fair_share

You should get advice about property settlement, especially if any of these apply to

you:

You own or are buying a home with your (ex) partner.

Your (ex) partner has, or you jointly own, other significant assets like real estate,

money or shares.

Your (ex) partner has significantly more superannuation than you.

There are time limits to apply to the court for a property settlement:

If you were married and then divorced, you have 12 months from the date of the

divorce to apply.

If you were in a de facto relationship, you have two years from the end of the

relationship to apply if the relationship ended after 1 March 2009.

If you were married and have a valid overseas divorce, the time limit may not

apply to you.

You will need to apply to the court for ‘leave’ (permission) to file out of these times.

What can be included in a property settlement?

You should make a list of any property in your name, your (ex) partner’s name and in

both of your names.

Property includes both assets and debts. These include:

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Assets: things of value such as real estate, cars or other vehicles, money,

animals, shares, furniture, jewellery, and superannuation; and

Debts: things that owe money such as loans, credit cards, and mortgages.

If you and your (ex) partner have partnerships, businesses, trusts, self-funded

superannuation funds, and companies, you should get legal advice as soon as

possible because there may be legal consequences if you stay in or leave these.

You should always get legal advice before making agreements or signing any

documents.

Four step process

There is a four step process to working out a property settlement after separation. The

four step process is:

1. Work out the net value of the property (assets – debts)

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Asset stocktake calculator

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/asset-stocktake-calculator?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

2. Write down the financial and non-financial contributions you and your

(ex) partner made to the property pool. This might include wages,

homemaker contributions, working unpaid in the family business, looking

after children or elderly parents and any insurance payouts, gifts or

inheritances.

3. List the future needs of both you and your (ex) partner. This includes

each person’s ability to work, their income, access to property and

resources, age, health issues and care of children.

4. The property settlement should be fair overall.

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If you believe your (ex) partner is about to sell or destroy property, you should get legal advice immediately. Urgent court orders can be made or you can lodge a caveat over

the title of the property to show and protect your interest in it.

Reaching agreement

You should not negotiate with your (ex) partner if there is domestic and family violence (DFV) present as it may be unsafe or unfair for you. You can use FDR to help

you make an agreement.

To find an FDR service near you, contact Relationships Australia:

1300 364 277

https://www.relationships.org.au/

You should get legal advice about property settlement whether or not you and your

(ex) partner agree about the settlement. If you cannot come to an agreement, you

might have to apply for court orders, which takes time and costs money.

For more information, see:

Women’s Legal Service QLD – Fact sheets

https://www.wlsq.org.au/resources/legal-toolkit/national-infosheets

Preparing to see a lawyer about property settlement

Tips

Gather your documents

Write down your questions

Contact the lawyer and ask about costs

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To make the best use of your time and money, you should prepare before seeing a

lawyer. Private lawyers charge for their time and community legal centres and Legal

Aid commissions are very busy.

You can find a community legal centre, Legal Aid or private lawyer in your state or

territory here.

If it is safe, it is a good idea to:

Tell them you have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). Write a chronology of events with dates and what happened with as much

detail as you can remember. This can include:

o When you started the relationship

o When you started living together

o When and where you got married

o Any DFV

o Ages and needs of your children

o When you separated

o Major asset purchases and how these were paid for

o Financial and non-financial contributions

o Any other relevant financial matters

Gather and organise your financial records—the more time you spend on this,

the less the solicitor will have to do.

List the assets and debts as far as you know.

Have copies of bank records (for the last 12 months), mortgage papers,

superannuation information, valuation/appraisal of real estate, investment

details, income tax returns (for the previous three years), Centrelink

paperwork, payslips (any records of long service leave/overtime) and insurance

records.

Write down any questions you have.

Call ahead and ask what you should prepare, as well as how much they estimate

it will cost you.

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Spousal or de facto maintenance

Tips

Prepare before seeing a lawyer

Know about the time limits

Get legal advice.

If you were married or in a de facto relationship, you may be able to get spousal or de

facto maintenance. This is not child maintenance or child support and this is not an

automatic right. It is money paid to you by your (ex) partner so you can support

yourself. It can be paid as a weekly sum, lump sum or both.

You cannot apply for spousal or de facto maintenance if you have a new partner or

have remarried.

What can I ask for?

You can ask for urgent spousal or de facto maintenance if you need financial help

straight away. You should get legal advice as soon as possible, because you can apply to

the court for an urgent spousal maintenance order while you are waiting for a final

court order to be made.

You will have to prove that you cannot afford your reasonable needs and expenses and

that your (ex) partner has the capacity to pay for them. If you receive this money, it

should be spent on reasonable living items and you should keep track of how you spend

this money.

‘Reasonable’ and ‘capacity’ have legal meanings, and you should get legal advice about what these words mean in your situation.

There are time limits to apply to the court for spousal or de facto maintenance:

If you were married and then divorced, you have 12 months from the date of the

divorce to apply.

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If you were in a de facto relationship, you have two years from the end of the

relationship to apply if the relationship ended after 1 March 2009.

If you were married and have a valid overseas divorce, the time limit may not

apply to you.

Wills, insurance, superannuation and power of attorney

See Money: Wills, insurance, superannuation and power of attorney

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Housing This section provides information about emergency housing, renting and mortgages.

If you have left your home or rental property, you can still go back if it is safe. You do

not lose the right to return if you leave, but you should not break in. If you think your

(ex) partner will sell, transfer or destroy the property, you should get legal advice as

soon as possible.

Emergency Housing

Support services

If you do not have a safe place to stay, you should contact 1800 RESPECT. They

can refer you to a service to help you find emergency housing. You can also use

this service to plan your next steps if you are living in the same property as your

(ex) partner.

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/

You can find the details of local services in your area:

Homelessness Australia

http://www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/are-you-experiencing-homelessness

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Urgent money help

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/trouble-with-debt/urgent-money-help?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

You should think about your safety and contact a support service.

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Read property settlement.

If you are renting

This section provides information about your renting options.

You can find the contact details of local tenancy services in your area here:

Tenant Help

http://www.tenanthelp.com.au/

Do you want to rent a property?

This section provides information about getting a rental property.

To find out if you have been blacklisted from renting, you should search the

tenancy database on TICA. There may be a fee but you can find a support

service to help you with this.

TICA

https://www.tica.com.au/

If you are on the blacklist, call your local tenancy advice service to help you

make an application to your state or territory tribunal to be removed from

the list so that you can rent.

If you are not on the blacklist, then you can contact a real estate company in

your area to find a rental property that suits you and your children, and meets

your safety concerns and your budget.

You can also contact your local housing service in your state or territory and ask

about your options. You can make an application for a rental property under the

National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

NRAS

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https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/housing-support/programmes-services/national-rental-affordability-scheme

You should get legal advice.

Do you want to stay in the rental property?

This sections provides information about staying in the rental property without your

(ex) partner because of domestic and family violence (DFV).

Think about your safety and contact a support service.

You should get advice from your local tenancy advice service about:

Any property damage to your rental property

Any outstanding debt

Changing the lease

Security and the rental bond

ACT

You will need an interim or final Domestic Violence Order or Personal

Protection Order to end the rental agreement.

You can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

end the co-tenancy and remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental

agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenants Union ACT:

(02) 6247 1026

http://www.tenantsact.org.au/

NSW

Your options will depend on your tenancy status and your tenancy agreement.

If you are a co-tenant and you have a final Apprehended Violence Order

that does not allow your (ex) partner in the rental property, tell the landlord

that your (ex) partner has left and that you will stay in the property.

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If you are a co-tenant and you do not have a final Apprehended Violence

Order, you can still apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an

order for you to stay in the rental property and end your (ex) partner’s tenancy.

To find a tenants service near you, see:

Tenants Org

https://www.tenants.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants Org – Fact sheet

https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domestic-violence

NT

You will need a Domestic Violence Order from the Local Court that does not

allow your (ex) partner in the rental property.

The Local Court can also make orders to change the tenancy agreement to

remove your (ex) partner’s name or add your name to the tenancy agreement, if

you can afford to stay in the property.

For legal advice, contact:

o Darwin Community Legal Service

1800 812 953

https://www.dcls.org.au/legal-and-advocacy-services/tenants-advice/

o Domestic Violence Legal Service (Darwin)

(08) 8999 7977

o For services in other regions, see tenancy legal services

For more information, see:

o Darwin Community Legal Service – Fact sheet

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https://www.dcls.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DOMESTIC-AND-FAMILY-VIOLENCE-AND-TENANCY.pdf

QLD

You can get a Domestic Violence Protection Order from a local

Magistrates Court.

You can apply to the QLD Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental agreement. Any DFV

orders would be a relevant consideration for the Tribunal. In some cases, you

may be able to get this order through the Magistrates Court when applying for

your DFV order.

For legal advice, contact Tenants QLD:

1300 744 263

https://tenantsqld.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants QLD – Fact sheet

http://www.tenantsqld.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/When-Violence-Affects-Your-Tenancy.pdf

SA

You can get an Intervention Order from a local Magistrates Court, a report

from police or a report from a specialist domestic violence service to end the

rental agreement.

You can apply to the SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to end

the co-tenancy and remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Legal Services Commission SA:

1300 366 424

http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au/

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For more information, see:

SA Government – Fact sheet

http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/resolving-problems-and-disputes/domestic-violence-protections-for-renters

TAS

You can get a Family Violence Order from your local Magistrates Court to

stop your (ex) partner entering the rental property.

The Magistrates Court can also make orders to change the rental agreement

and remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenants Union TAS:

1300 652 641

http://tutas.org.au/

VIC

You will need a final Family Violence Intervention Order or Personal

Safety Intervention Order.

You can apply to the VIC Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenants Union VIC:

(03) 9416 2577

https://www.tuv.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants Union VIC – Fact sheet

http://www.tuv.org.au/family-violence-protection

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Do you want to stay in the rental property but cannot afford the rent?

If you want to stay in your rental property but cannot afford the rent at the moment,

you can:

Try to negotiate a repayment plan with your landlord.

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

If you are experiencing long-term financial hardship and cannot afford the

rent then you may need to find other affordable housing. You can contact a

support service for help.

Read property settlement as you may be able to negotiate with your (ex)

partner about spousal maintenance and property settlement so you can afford

your rent.

You should get legal advice.

Do you want to stay in the rental property but cannot afford the rent?

If you want to stay in your rental property but cannot afford the rent at the moment,

you can:

Try to negotiate a repayment plan with your landlord.

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Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and advice on the National Debt

Helpline:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

If you are experiencing long-term financial hardship and cannot afford the

rent then you may need to find other affordable housing. You can contact a

support service for help.

Read property settlement as you may be able to negotiate with your (ex)

partner about spousal maintenance and property settlement so you can afford

your rent.

You should get legal advice.

Do you want to end the tenancy agreement?

This section provides information about ending your tenancy agreement because of

domestic and family violence (DFV).

You should get advice from your local tenancy advice service about:

Any property damage to your rental property

Any outstanding debt

Getting off the lease and getting a bond refund

Returning the keys and exit report

Tenancy databases

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ACT

You will need an interim or final Domestic Violence Order, Personal

Protection Order or other evidence of DFV to end the rental agreement.

You can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

end the co-tenancy and remove your name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenant’s Union ACT:

(02) 6247 1026

http://www.tenantsact.org.au/

NSW

Your options will depend on your tenancy status and your tenancy agreement.

If you are a co-tenant, you can seek a final Apprehended Violence Order that does not allow your (ex) partner in the rental property and/or seek an

order from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

To find a tenants service near you, see:

Tenants Org

https://www.tenants.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants Org – Fact sheet

https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domestic-violence

NT

Your options will depend on your tenancy status and your tenancy agreement.

When applying for a Domestic Violence Order through the Local Court, you

can seek an order that changes the agreement so you no longer have to stay

there and have no ongoing legal obligations.

For legal advice, contact:

o Darwin Community Legal Service

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1800 812 953

https://www.dcls.org.au/legal-and-advocacy-services/tenants-advice/

o Domestic Violence Legal Service (Darwin)

(08) 8999 7977

For services in other regions, see tenancy legal services

For more information, see:

Darwin Community Legal Service – Fact sheet

https://www.dcls.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DOMESTIC-AND-FAMILY-VIOLENCE-AND-TENANCY.pdf

QLD

You can get a Domestic Violence Protection Order from a local

Magistrates Court.

You can apply to the QLD Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

end the co-tenancy and remove your name from the rental agreement. Any DFV

orders would be a relevant consideration for the Tribunal. In some cases, you

may be able to get this order through the Magistrates Court when applying for

your DFV order.

For legal advice, contact Tenants QLD:

1300 744 263

https://tenantsqld.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants QLD – Fact sheet

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http://www.tenantsqld.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/When-Violence-Affects-Your-Tenancy.pdf

SA

You can get an Intervention Order from a local Magistrates Court, a report

from the police or a report from a specialist domestic violence service to end

the rental agreement.

You can apply to the SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to end

the co-tenancy and remove your name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Legal Services Commission SA:

1300 366 424

http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au/

For more information, see:

SA Government – Fact sheet

http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/resolving-problems-and-disputes/domestic-violence-protections-for-renters

TAS

You can get a Family Violence Order from your local Magistrates Court to

end the rental agreement.

The Magistrates Court can also make orders to change the tenancy agreement

to remove your (ex) partner’s name from the rental agreement. You cannot

terminate the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenants Union TAS:

1300 652 641

http://tutas.org.au/

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VIC

You may be eligible to apply to stay in the rental property without your (ex)

partner if the property is your principal place of residence, even if you are not a

tenant on the current lease.

You will need an interim or final Family Violence Intervention Order or

Personal Safety Intervention Order.

You can apply to the VIC Civil and Administrative Tribunal to get an order to

end the co-tenancy and remove your name from the rental agreement.

For legal advice, contact Tenants Union VIC:

(03) 9416 2577

https://www.tuv.org.au/

For more information, see:

Tenants Union VIC – Fact sheet

http://www.tuv.org.au/family-violence-protection

WA

There are no specific legislative rights to change the tenancy agreement due

to DFV. However, you may be able to exercise your general rights under the

Residential Tenancies Act.

For legal advice, contact Tenancy WA:

(08) 9221 0088 (metro) 1800 621 888 (country)

http://www.tenancywa.org.au/

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If you have a mortgage and/or you own a property

This section provides information about mortgages. You should get legal advice about your mortgage and read property settlement.

You can ask the lender if you own the property or are the borrower on the mortgage.

You are a borrower on the mortgage Tips

Contact your lender about your options

Contact the National Debt Helpline

Get legal advice

This section provides information about what you can do if your name is on the

mortgage. If your name is on the mortgage, it means you have to make the mortgage

payments.

If you stop making the mortgage payments, the lender may repossess the mortgaged

property. You may be able to come to an agreement with your (ex) partner about the

repayments as part of your property settlement.

What can you do?

You should cancel the redraw facility or change it so the lender will need the

signatures of both borrowers. A redraw facility means you or your (ex) partner can

borrow more money and add it to the mortgage. If you are not sure whether your

mortgage allows this, you should contact your lender to find out.

You should get legal advice if:

You have received a default notice and 30 days have passed since the date of

the notice

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You have received a statement of claim or summons

The lender is threatening court action to repossess your home

Tell the lender if you are in financial hardship because of domestic and family violence (DFV) and ask to make an affordable repayment plan. You can make a

request for financial hardship without the joint debtor agreeing. You should get legal

advice if the lender says you need the co-borrower to agree.

When you talk to your lender, you can ask to:

Reduce your payments temporarily

Reduce your payments until you can afford the usual repayments which means

it will take longer to pay off your loan

Make a payment plan while the home is sold

If the lender will not agree to a repayment plan or is threatening to repossess your

home, you can make a complaint to a free dispute resolution scheme to review

this decision. This will also stop the lender starting court proceedings while the dispute

is being considered, providing the lender has not obtained a court judgment. Get legal advice.

Financial Ombudsman Service

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

Tell the lender you are getting advice and contact the National Debt Helpline to speak

with a free financial counsellor:

Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm

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1800 007 007

http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

For more information, see:

Legal Aid NSW – Mortgage Stress Handbook

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/factsheets-and-resources/mortgage-stress-handbook

You are not the owner of the property or a borrower on the mortgage What should you do?

If your name is not on the mortgage documents, you are not legally responsible

for the mortgage.

If you have been contributing to the home, you should think about lodging a

caveat to protect your possible interest in the home. You should get legal advice about this as soon as possible, especially if you think your (ex) partner

will sell, transfer or destroy the property.

The property may form part of the property settlement pool.

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Wellness

This section provides information and tips on wellness and rebuilding your

confidence with money.

Domestic and family violence (DFV) can impact your physical and

psychological well-being. You may be experiencing a difficult and stressful time

in your life. It is important to know that these feelings are okay and that there

are things you can do, people you can talk to, and services you can go to for

support.

For more information about supporting someone, see:

https://www.1800respect.org.au/support/#link0

https://www.1800respect.org.au/workers/

Your financial future and confidence with money

This section includes information about building your confidence with money.

First steps

If you have experienced financial abuse, you can get support to rebuild your

confidence and your relationship with money.

You can:

Read information about financial abuse:

WIRE Women’s Information – Women Talk Money https://www.womentalkmoney.org.au/ WIRE Women’s Information – Money problems with your partner https://www.womentalkmoney.org.au/

Learn about how you can protect or get your money by reading money safety plan and contacting a support service.

Get legal advice.

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Rebuild your confidence: take charge of your money

Managing your money can be a difficult task. By taking one step at a time you

can rebuild your confidence in managing your money.

You might not know where to start, or you might have already taken steps to protect

yourself. No matter where you are starting from, these simple steps and resources can

help you to learn more.

1. Learn to trust yourself again.

2. Make friends with your money. Track where your money is and where it is being

spent.

3. Speak with trusted friends and family about money.

4. Recognise your strengths. You can use your current strategies about spending

money to learn new strategies. If you can count to 10, this means you can learn

to budget!

5. Set yourself a small number of manageable goals over three months. For

example, find the cheapest mobile phone plan or set up your own bank account.

You have the right, the skills and the power to learn about money and build a safe and

financially secure future for you and your children.

Budgeting

It is a good idea to think about budgeting your money. You can use resources and

support services to help you budget, manage your income and save your money.

You can:

Use:

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Budget planner

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/budget-planner?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Money health check

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https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps

Doing it tough – Your budget tool

http://www.doingittough.info/Financial-Health-Check/Your-Budget.html

Contact or visit your bank to find out about their saver programs for you and

your children.

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and referrals through the

National Debt Helpline:

Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm

1800 007 007 http://www.ndh.org.au/

o If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can link you in with specific services. You can

also contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

Your future

You can get yourself more work ready to rebuild your financial future by writing or

updating your resume, getting feedback from a trusted friend or family member and

getting assistance from specialist job coaching services.

Visit:

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Department of Human Services has links to job active organisations and other

government and community support services.

Department of Human Services – Looking for work https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/looking-work

Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation that assists women to achieve

financial security by providing a network of support, professional attire and the

development tools to help women in work.

Dress for Success

http://kodamanager.preview-env.com/home/wellness/confidence-with-money/

My Future provides information about career paths, jobs and industries.

My Future

https://www.myfuture.edu.au/

Study Assist provides information for people about government assistance

during study. You can contact your state or territory study institutions for

further information.

Study Assist

http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist/

Volunteer Australia provides links to volunteering opportunities which can help

you to rebuild your confidence, skills and connections.

Volunteer Australia

https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

When you are ready, you can also learn about other financial resources and think

about your long-term finances:

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ASIC’s MoneySmart – Build your wealth

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/invest-smarter/build-your-wealth?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Shares

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/investing/shares?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

Superannuation Guide

https://www.superguide.com.au/

This content has been developed with permission from WIRE Women’s Information.

We thank them for allowing us to use this in Penda.

Wellness tips

This section provides steps you can take to increase your sense of wellness. If you feel

you cannot do this alone, then you should contact a support service.

You can:

1. Recognise when you are feeling stressed, anxious or upset. o What is making you feel stressed, anxious or upset?

o What is happening to your body when you feel this way?

o Read about domestic and family violence (DFV).

2. Find positive and constructive ways to express and process your

feelings. o If it is safe, keep a personal journal and write down something positive

about yourself every day.

o Reach out and connect with trusted friends and family to build your

support network.

o Contact a DFV support service and find out whether there are any

services available through your workplace or study program.

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o Attend counselling sessions. To learn more about counselling, see:

WIRE Women’s Information – Counselling

https://www.wire.org.au/assets/upload/content/Counselling-v2015.pdf

o Join groups of other women to gain support and strengthen your

relationships with others. Contact your local support service to find

out details.

o It may help to anonymously record your story or read the survival stories

of those who have had similar experiences on:

Not The Only One

http://nottheonlyone.org.au/

3. Take time out for yourself (when possible) to relax. o Read, meditate, or play music.

o Find and make time for social activities you enjoy, such as going to the

movies or exercise classes.

o Include relaxation and deep breathing exercises in your daily routine.

o Spend time with people who make you feel happy and provide you with

support.

o Download these meditation and mindfulness apps for some helpful tips:

Headspace app

http://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

Stop Breathe Think app

https://www.stopbreathethink.com/

Smiling Mind app

https://smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app/

4. Care for your physical health—it will help your emotional health. o Eat well and drink plenty of water. For more information see:

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Eat for Health – Eating well

https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/

o Get plenty of rest, have a good sleep routine and go to bed at a similar

time every night, avoid caffeine in the evening, avoid using any

computers or phones 20 minutes before bed, and read or meditate

before you go to sleep.

o Go for a walk or start an exercise program to increase your energy levels

and wellness.

Department of Health – Physical activity

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phy-activity

o Avoid or limit alcohol (alcohol is a depressant).

o Speak to your GP if you have physical or mental health concerns.

5. Set realistic goals. o Set small, manageable and realistic goals.

o Make small steps towards your future goals.

o Take time to prepare emotionally before entering stressful situations

(such as talking with your (ex) partner, lawyers or attending court).

o Try not to ‘over book’ yourself by limiting your daily appointments and

commitments to reduce stress.

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Services and Information This section provides information on services that may be able to help you.

Some services are free but may prioritise clients that meet a particular criteria. There

may be costs to call from a mobile phone. Contact details are subject to change.

Safety and domestic and family violence

This section has information on national, state and territory support services that help

with safety and domestic and family violence matters.

For information on family law and domestic and family violence legal services see

Legal services: Family law and domestic and family violence legal services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services National National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services

Provides specialist, culturally safe legal services and support to Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people who experience domestic and family violence.

National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services

http://www.nationalfvpls.org/

Provides information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services in

your area.

1800 RESPECT – Indigenous Services

https://www.1800respect.org.au/workers/atsi/indigenous-services/

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You can contact other support services that may have Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander specific services.

State/Territory

ACT

There is no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family violence legal service.

However, you can contact Legal Aid ACT, a private lawyer or a community legal centre

in your area. See legal services.

Aboriginal Legal Service (ACT)

1800 733 233

(02) 8836 3444

http://alsnswact.org.au/

NSW

Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service

Forbes

1800 700 218 http://www.binaalbilla.com.au/

Many Rivers Family Violence Prevention Legal Service

Kempsey

(02) 6562 5856

fvpls@gurehlgam.com.au

http://www.manyriversfvpls.com.au/

Thiyama-Li Family Violence Service Inc

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Moree

(02) 6751 1400

Bourke

(02) 6872 2440

Walgett

(02) 6828 3143

Warra-Warra Family Violence Prevention Legal Service

Broken Hill

1800 812 800

(08) 8087 6766

reception@bhafvpls.org.au

QLD

Aboriginal Family Legal Service Southern QLD

1800 185 950

enquiries@aflssq.org.au

http://aflssq.org.au/

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal Services

Northern QLD (ATSI WLS NQ)

1800 082 600

(07) 4721 6007

http://www.atsiwlsnq.org.au/

QLD Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS)

1800 887 700

help@qifvls.com.au

http://www.qifvls.com.au/

SA

Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation SA (FVLSAC)

http://www.fvlsac.org.au/Ceduna

Ceduna

1800 839 059

(08) 8625 3800

Port Augusta

1800 111 052

(08) 8641 2195

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Port Lincoln

1800 309 912

(08) 8683 4825

TAS

There is no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family violence legal service.

However, you can contact Legal Aid TAS, a private lawyer or a community legal centre

in your area. See legal services.

TAS Aboriginal Community Legal Service

1800 132 260

http://tacinc.com.au/

VIC

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation Family Violence

Prevention and Legal Service VIC (FVPLS)

1800 105 303

information@fvpls.org

http://www.fvpls.org/

WA

Southern Aboriginal Corporation Family Violence Prevention Legal

Service

Albany

(08) 9842 7777

WA Family Violence Prevention Legal Service Aboriginal

Corporation

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1800 469 246

(08) 9355 1502

http://www.afls.org.au/

Marninwarntikura Family Violence Prevention Unit

Fitzroy Crossing

(08) 9191 5284

reception@mwrc.com.au

Culturally and linguistically diverse services This section has links to national, state and territory culturally and linguistically

diverse support services.

National Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)

Call TIS to contact 1800 RESPECT for free in your language.

Open all day, every day.

131 450

1800 RESPECT

National domestic and family violence and sexual assault support service.

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/languages/

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State/Territory

ACT

ACT does not have a specific service for women from different cultural backgrounds.

However, you can contact 1800 RESPECT:

1800 737 732

NSW

1800 SHAKTI

Domestic and family violence service for women of Middle Eastern, African and Asian

backgrounds.

1800 742 584

0404 174 285

http://shakti-international.org/shakti-aus/

Immigrant Women’s Speakout NSW

(02) 9635 8022

women@speakout.org.au

http://www.speakout.org.au/index.html

NT

NT does not have a specific service for women from different cultural backgrounds.

However, you can contact 1800 RESPECT:

1800 737 732

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QLD

Immigrant Women’s Support Service

(07) 3846 3490

mail@iwss.org.au

www.iwss.org.au/

SA

Migrant Women’s Support Service

(08) 8346 9417

admin@mwss.org.au

http://womenssafetyservices.com.au/index.php/about/services/27-migrant-women-s-support-program

TAS

TAS does not have a specific service for women from different cultural backgrounds.

However, you can contact 1800 RESPECT:

1800 737 732

VIC

1800 SHAKTI

Domestic and family violence service for women of Middle Eastern, African and Asian

backgrounds.

1800 742 584

(03) 9753 4324

http://shakti-international.org/shakti-aus/

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inTouch – Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

1800 755 988

(03) 9413 6500

admin@intouch.org.au

http://www.intouch.org.au/

WA

Multicultural and Women’s Advocacy Service

https://whfs.org.au/

Joondalup

(08) 9300 1566

infojoondalup@whfs.org.au

Northbridge

1800 998 399

(08) 6330 5400

info@whfs.org.au

Disability services This section has links to national disability support services.

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1800 RESPECT

National domestic and family violence and sexual assault support service.

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

User Accessibility

https://www.1800respect.org.au/accessibility/

Auslan Video

https://www.1800respect.org.au/auslan-video/

National Relay Service

A support service for those with impaired hearing. Call the National Relay Service to

contact 1800 RESPECT.

Open all day, every day.

http://relayservice.gov.au/

TTY and Voice Calls

133 677

Speak and Listen

1300 555 727

SMS relay

Text 0423 677 767

Life Without Barriers

A social support organisation to assist those living with disability.

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1800 935 483

(02) 4033 4500

http://disabilityservices.lwb.org.au/?gclid=COqOsqm4tNECFYcHKgodORoH0Q

Job Access

National disability abuse and neglect hotline.

1800 880 052

hotline@workfocus.com

https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/people-with-disabilityPeople with Disability

Information, advice and referrals for people with disabilities.

1800 422 015

(02) 9370 3100

http://www.pwd.org.au/

Read Aloud

An online text to speech service.

https://ttsreader.com/

Tell Someone

Provides information for those impacted by domestic and family violence about where

to go for help and who to tell.

http://www.tellsomeone.org.au/index.htmlVision Australia

Vision Australia

A support service for those with impaired vision.

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1300 847 466

http://www.visionaustralia.org/

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex services This section has links to national and local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex

and queer (LGBTIQ) support services.

National

Another Closet Online

Information and referral details for LGBTIQ domestic and family violence services.

http://www.anothercloset.com.au/

Gender Centre

Support service for the transgender and gender diverse community.

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm

(02) 9519 7599

https://gendercentre.org.au/

National Police Assistance Line

Call your local police station to see if they have a LGBTIQ Liaison Officer that can

provide assistance.

131 444

OII Australia

Support service for people with intersex variations or traits.

https://oii.org.au/

info@oii.org.au

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QLIFE

National counselling and referral service for LGTBIQ people. Online chat and

directory available.

Open 3pm – midnight, every day.

1800 184 527

ask@qlife.org.au

https://qlife.org.au/support/

Local To find a local service in your area, see:

1800 RESPECT

https://www.1800respect.org.au/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-and-intersex-where-can-i-find-support-1/

QLIFE Directory

https://qlife.org.au/resources/

Reach Out

https://au.reachout.com/articles/lgbtqi-support-services

Safety If you, a child or another person is in immediate danger, you should call the police now

on

000

1800 RESPECT

Counselling helpline, information and support.

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

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https://www.1800respect.org.au/

eSafety – Take control

https://www.esafety.gov.au/women/take-control

WESNET – Safety net

http://wesnet.org.au/safetynet/safetynetdocs/

1800 RESPECT – Tech tips for increasing security

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/tech-tips-for-increasing-security/

State/Territory To find a local service in your area, see:

http://www.dvrcv.org.au/support-services/national-services

https://www.1800respect.org.au/daisy/%3B/

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

Open all day, every day.

(02) 6280 0900

crisis@dvcs.org.au

https://dvcs.org.au/

NSW

Domestic Violence Line

Open all day, every day.

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1800 656 463

NT

1800 RESPECT

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

NT Government – Domestic and family violence

https://nt.gov.au/law/crime/domestic-and-family-violence/get-help-for-domestic-and-family-violence

QLD

DV Connect

Open all day, every day.

1800 811 811

http://www.dvconnect.org/

SA

Women’s Safety Services SA

Open all day, every day.

1800 800 098

http://www.cdvs.com.au/

TAS

Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (Safe at Home)

Open 9.00am – midnight.

1800 633 937

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VIC

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

Open all day, every day.

1800 015 188

safesteps@safesteps.org.au

http://www.safesteps.org.au/

WA

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline

Open all day, every day.

(08) 9223 1188

1800 000 599

Other Support Court support

Some courts may have support services that you can access. You can call the court

ahead of time and find out.

Kids Helpline

Phone counselling service for people aged 5 – 25 years.

Open all day, every day.

1800 551 800

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Lifeline

Crisis support and suicide prevention service.

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Open all day, every day.

13 11 14

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Red Cross

A community services charity that provides emergency relief and support to those in

need.

http://www.redcross.org.au/community-services.aspx

Relationships Australia

Support groups and counselling.

1300 364 277

https://www.relationships.org.au/

Salvation Army

A social welfare organisation that provides emergency relief and support to those in

need.

13 72 58

NT, SA, TAS, VIC and WA:

http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/Find-Us/?gclid=CPDE0Pa3z9ECFQ4KKgodRPUAPQ

ACT, NSW and QLD:

https://salvos.org.au/need-help/

St Vincent De Paul

A charity that provides emergency relief and support to those in need.

https://www.vinnies.org.au/

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Your GP/doctor

You can see your doctor for an appropriate referral depending on your needs.

Victims’ Compensation

ACT

Victim Support ACT

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

1800 822 272

(02) 6205 2066

victimsupport@act.gov.au

https://www.victimsupport.act.gov.au/home

NSW

Victims Services NSW

Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm.

Victims Access Line

1800 633 063

Aboriginal Contact Line

1800 019 123

vs@justice.nsw.gov.au

http://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/

NT

Victims of Crime NT

Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

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1800 672 242

https://victimsofcrime.org.au/

QLD

Victims Assist QLD

Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm.

1300 546 587

victimassist@justice.qld.gov.au

https://www.qld.gov.au/law/crime-and-police/victims-and-witnesses-of-crime

SA

Victim Support Service SA

1800 842 846

helpdesk@victimsa.org

http://www.victimsa.org/get-help

TAS

Victims Support Service TAS

1300 663 773

(03) 6165 7524

victims@justice.tas.gov.au

http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/victims

VIC

Victims of Crime VIC

Open every day, 8am – 11pm.

1800 819 817

vsa@justice.vic.gov.au

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https://www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au/home/

WA

Victims of Crime WA

Open Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm.

1800 818 988

cvoc@justice.wa.gov.au

http://www.victimsofcrime.wa.gov.au/default.aspx

Money

Consumer, credit and debt legal services

Insurance Law Service

Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

1300 663 464

insurancelaw.org.au

For State/ Territory links to services that help with consumer, credit, and debt matters

see legal services.

Credit Reports For more information about credit reports, see:

ASIC’s Money Smart – Credit reports

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/borrowing-basics/credit-reports

Please note: if you check your credit report, your updated contact details will be

provided to your creditors.

You can check your credit report for free through these services:

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Dunn and Bradstreet

http://www.checkyourcredit.com.au/resources/forms/applicationforconsumercreditreportau.pdf

Equifax

http://www.equifax.com.au/

Experian

http://www.experian.com.au/

Dispute resolution schemes This section has links to free dispute resolution schemes.

You can lodge your dispute/complaint in a dispute resolution scheme to help resolve

your matter.

General Financial Ombudsman Service Australia

1800 367 287

http://www.fos.org.au/

Credit and Investments Ombudsman

1800 138 422

https://www.cio.org.au/

Electricity, gas and water

ACT

ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal

(02) 6207 1740

https://www.acat.act.gov.au/

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NSW

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW

1800 246 545

https://www.ewon.com.au/

NT

Ombudsman NT

1800 806 380

www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au

QLD

Energy and Water Ombudsman QLD

1800 662 837

http://www.ewoq.com.au/

SA

Energy Industry Ombudsman SA

1800 665 565

http://www.ewosa.com.au/

TAS

Energy Ombudsman TAS

1800 001 170 http://www.energyombudsman.tas.gov.au/

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VIC

Energy and Water Ombudsman VIC

1800 500 509 https://www.ewov.com.au/

WA

Energy and Water Ombudsman WA

1800 117 000 http://www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/

Phones Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

1800 062 058 http://www.tio.com.au/

Emergency money There are services that can help you if you need emergency money to pay for food,

bills or transport, and if you are experiencing severe financial hardship.

Community organisations To find your closest community organisation, you can:

Contact the Department of Social Services and ask to be put through to your

local emergency relief service or select ‘financial crisis’ and ‘material aid’.

o Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm:

1300 653 227 http://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/

Speak with a free financial counsellor for help and referrals through the National

Debt Helpline.

o Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm:

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1800 007 007 http://www.ndh.org.au/

If you identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, you should let the

counsellor know as they can tell you about specific services. You can also

contact:

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488 ASIC Indigenous Helpline

300 365 957

Centrelink Contact Centrelink to find out if you are eligible for any benefits or crisis payments.

You need to act quickly because there are time limits; you have to apply for crisis

payments within seven days of the crisis event.

These payments should go into a bank account that is in your name only. It will help to

talk with a Centrelink social worker and tell them that you are experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV).

13 28 50

No interest loan scheme (NILS) If you have a health care card or pension card, you may be able to borrow some money

through the no interest loan scheme (NILS). NILS can lend money ($300 – $1,200) for

household goods and education essentials.

136 457

http://nils.com.au/

Employment This section has links to national, state and territory services that help with

employment matters.

National 1800 RESPECT

Counselling helpline, information and support.

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Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/

DV Work Aware

A national program to foster effective workplace responses to domestic and family

violence.

http://www.dvworkaware.org/

contact@dvworkaware.org

Fair Work Commission

1300 799 675

https://www.fwc.gov.au/

Fair Work Ombudsman

13 13 94

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

Working Women’s Centre

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/

Your union may also be able to help you.

State/Territory Select your state:

ACT

ACT does not have a working women’s centre. However, you can contact a community

legal centre, Legal Aid ACT or a private solicitor. See legal services.

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NSW

NSW does not have a working women’s centre. However, you can contact a community

legal centre, Legal Aid NSW or a private solicitor. See legal services.

Women’s Legal Service NSW

(02) 8745 6954

http://www.wlsnsw.org.au/

NT

NT Working Women’s Centre

1800 817 055

admin@ntwwc.com.au

http://www.ntwwc.com.au/

QLD

QLD Working Women’s Centre

1800 621 458

qwws@qwws.org.au

http://wwq.org.au/

SA

Working Women’s Centre SA

1800 652 697

wwc@wwc.org.au

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TAS

TAS does not have a working women’s centre. However, you can contact a community

legal centre, Legal Aid TAS or a private solicitor. See legal services.

Launceston Community Legal Centre

1800 066 019

(03) 6334 1577

http://www.lclc.net.au/

VIC

VIC does not have a working women’s centre. However you can contact a community

legal centre, Legal Aid VIC or a private solicitor. See legal services.

Job Watch

1800 331 617

jobwatch@job-watch.org.au

WA

WA does not have a working women’s centre. However, you can contact a community

legal centre, Legal Aid WA or a private solicitor. See legal services.

Women’s Law Centre WA

Discrimination and harassment

1800 625 122

wlcentreofwa@iinet.net.au

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http://www.wlcwa.org.au/

Employment Law Centre

Other matters

1300 130 956

enquiries@elcwa.org.au

https://elcwa.org.au/

Money This section has links to services that can help with your money matters.

Centrelink

13 28 50

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink

Child Support Agency (CSA)

131 272

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/contact-us/phone-us#childsupport

For local emergency relief services.

Open Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.

1300 653 227

http://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/

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National Debt Helpline

Free financial counsellors to speak with about your money problems.

http://www.ndh.org.au/

Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4:30pm.

1800 007 007

Aboriginal Advice Service

1800 808 488

ASIC Indigenous Helpline

1300 365 957

No interest loan scheme (NILS)

136 457

http://nils.com.au/

Legal services This section has links to national, state and territory legal services.

For tenancy legal services see Housing services.

For visa and immigration legal services see Visa and immigration.

For consumer, credit and debt legal service see Money.

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National Women’s Legal Services Australia

http://www.wlsa.org.au/

Financial Rights Legal Centre

http://www.financialrights.org.au/

National Association of Community Legal Centres

http://www.naclc.org.au/clc_directory.php

National Family Violence Prevention Legal Services

http://www.nationalfvpls.org/

National Legal Aid

https://www.nationallegalaid.org/

National Welfare Rights

http://www.nssrn.org.au/

State/Territory

State/Territory

ACT

Consumer Law Centre ACT

1800 007 007

(02) 6257 1788

http://www.carefcs.org/consumer-law-centre-act.html

NSW

Financial Rights Legal Centre

Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm.

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1800 007 007

http://financialrights.org.au/

Redfern Legal Centre

(02) 9698 7277

http://rlc.org.au/

Welfare Rights Centre

1800 226 028

(02) 9211 5300

https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/

NT

Darwin Community Legal Centre

1800 812 953

(08) 8982 1111

https://www.dcls.org.au/

QLD

Basic Rights QLD

1800 358 511

(07) 3847 5532

https://www.brq.org.au/

Caxton Legal Centre

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.

(07) 3214 6333

Caxton Legal Centre

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https://caxton.org.au/

SA

Consumer Credit Law Centre

1300 886 220

(08) 8342 1800

Consumer Credit Law Centre

http://consumercreditsa.org/

SA Welfare Rights Centre

1800 246 287

(08) 8223 1338

SA Welfare Rights Centre

http://wrcsa.org.au/

TAS

Hobart Community Legal Service

(03) 6223 2500

1800 232 500

http://www.hobartlegal.org.au/

VIC

Consumer Action Law Centre

1800 466 477

(03) 9629 6300

http://consumeraction.org.au/

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Social Security Rights VIC

1800 094 164

(03) 9481 0355

http://www.ssrv.org.au/

WA

Consumer Credit Legal Service WA

(08) 9221 7066

https://cclswa.org.au/

Welfare Rights and Advocacy Service

(08) 9328 1751

http://www.wraswa.org.au/

Contact your community legal centre peak body for a referral to your local service:

ACT

Legal Aid ACT

1300 654 314

http://www.legalaidact.org.au/

NSW

Community Legal Centres NSW Inc

(03) 9212 7333

http://www.clcnsw.org.au/

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QLD

Community Legal Centres QLD

(07) 3392 0092

http://communitylegalqld.org.au/

SA

SA Council of Community Legal Services

(08) 8342 1800

http://www.saccls.org.au/

TAS

Legal Aid Commission of TAS

1300 366 611

Legal Aid Commission of TAS

VIC

Federation of Community Legal Centres (VIC) Inc

(03) 9652 1500

http://www.fclc.org.au/find_a_clc.php

WA

Community Legal Centres Association (WA) Inc

(08) 9221 9322

https://www.communitylaw.net/

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Contact your local legal aid office to talk to a lawyer and apply for funding:

ACT

Legal Aid ACT

1300 654 314

http://www.legalaidact.org.au/

NSW

Legal Aid NSW

1300 888 529

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/

NT

NT Legal Aid Commission

1800 019 343

http://www.naclc.org.au/cb_pages/state_associations.php

QLD

Community Legal Centres QLD

(07) 3392 0092

http://communitylegalqld.org.au/

SA

Law Services Commission of SA

1300 366 424

http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au/

TAS

Legal Aid Commission of TAS

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1300 366 611

https://www.legalaid.tas.gov.au/

VIC

VIC Legal Aid

1300 792 387

http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/

WA

Legal Aid WA

1300 650 579

https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/Pages/Default.aspx

Contact your local law society to find a private solicitor:

ACT

ACT Law Society

(02) 6274 0300

https://www.actlawsociety.asn.au/

NSW

Legal Aid NSW

1300 888 529

http://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/

NSW

Legal Aid NSW

1300 888 529

Legal Aid NSW

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NT

Law Society NT

(08) 8981 5104

http://lawsocietynt.asn.au/

QLD

QLD Law Society

1300 367 757

https://www.qls.com.au/Home

SA

Law Society of SA

(08) 8229 0200

https://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/

TAS

Law Society of TAS

(03) 6234 4133

http://lst.org.au/

VIC

Law Institute of VIC

(03) 9607 9311

https://www.liv.asn.au/

WA

Law Society of WA

(08) 9324 8600

https://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/

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Visa and immigration

This section has links to national, state and territory legal services that help with visa and immigration matters.

For more information, see culturally and linguistically diverse services.

National

To find a community legal centre in your state or territory that provides immigration

legal advice, see:

National Association of Community Legal Centres (NACLC) http://www.naclc.org.au/

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) https://www.asrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/National-Directory-of-Asylum-Seeker-and-Refugee-Service-Providers-August-2013.pdf

State/Territory

ACT

Companion House (02) 6251 4550

info@companionhouse.org.au

http://www.companionhouse.org.au/

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NSW

Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (02) 8234 0700

http://www.iarc.asn.au/

Open Tuesday & Thursday, 2pm – 4pm.

(02) 8234 0799

Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) (02) 8355 7227

admin@racs.org.au

http://www.racs.org.au/

NT

Multicultural Council of NT (08) 8945 9122

1800 031 418

http://www.mcnt.org.au/

NT Legal Aid Commission

Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 4.30pm.

(08) 8999 3000

1800 019 343

https://www.legalaid.nt.gov.au/

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QLD

Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)

Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm.

(07) 3846 9300

admin@rails.org.au

http://www.rails.org.au/

SA

Refugee Advocacy Service of SA

Open Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 5pm.

0401 247 224

https://rassa.org.au/

TAS

Refugee Legal Service info@rlstas.com

http://rlstas.com/

VIC

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) (03) 9326 6066

admin@asrc.org.au

https://www.asrc.org.au/

Refugee Legal

Open Wednesday & Friday, 10am – 2pm.

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(03) 9413 0100

http://refugeelegal.org.au/

WA

The Humanitarian Group

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 3pm.

(08) 9227 7311

http://thehumanitariangroup.org.au/

Children

This section has links to services that help with parenting matters.

For legal referrals see: Legal

My Child Gov

Online child care portal.

https://www.mychild.gov.au/

Centrelink https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink

Child Support Agency 131 272

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/contact-us/phone-us#childsupport

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Housing This section has links to national, state and territory services for emergency housing,

tenancy and property settlement matters.

For referrals regarding property settlement matters see Legal.

Emergency housing If you do not have a safe place to stay, you should contact 1800 RESPECT. They

can refer you to a service to help you find emergency housing. You can also use

this service to plan your next steps if you are living in the same property as your

(ex) partner.

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/

You can find the details of local services in your area:

Homelessness Australia http://www.homelessnessaustralia.org.au/are-you-experiencing-homelessness

ASIC’s MoneySmart – Urgent money help https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-your-money/managing-debts/trouble-with-debt/urgent-money-help?utm_source=wlsq.org.au&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=penda

You should think about your safety and contact a support service.

Read property settlement.

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Tenancy matters This section has links to state and territory legal services that help with tenancy

matters. For further information see Legal.

State/Territory

ACT

Tenants Union ACT

(02) 6247 1026

(02) 6247 2011

http://www.tenantsact.org.au/

NSW

To find a service near you, see

Tenants Org

https://www.tenants.org.au/

NT

Darwin Community Legal Service

1800 812 953

(08) 8982 1111

https://www.dcls.org.au/legal-and-advocacy-services/tenants-advice/

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QLD

Tenants QLD

1300 744 263

(07) 3832 9403

https://tenantsqld.org.au/

SA

Legal Services Commission SA

1300 366 424

http://www.lsc.sa.gov.au/

Women’s Legal Service SA

(08) 8221 5553

https://www.wlssa.org.au/

TAS

Tenants Union TAS

Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4pm.

1300 652 641

(03) 6223 2641

http://tutas.org.au/

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VIC

Tenants Union VIC

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm.

(03) 9416 2577

https://www.tuv.org.au/

WA

Tenancy WA

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm.

(08) 9221 0088 (metro)

1800 621 888 (country)

http://www.tenancywa.org.au/

Wellness

This section has links to support services and wellness resources. For other services,

see support services.

1800 RESPECT Counselling helpline, information and support.

Open all day, every day.

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au/

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Headspace app

http://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

Stop Breathe Think app

https://www.stopbreathethink.com/

Smiling Mind app

https://smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app/

Eat for Health

https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/

Department of Health – Physical activity

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phy-activity

Not The Only One

http://nottheonlyone.org.au/

Information

General information

1800 RESPECT – Daisy app

https://www.1800respect.org.au/daisy/%3B/

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Financy – Women’s Money Magazine

https://www.financy.com.au/

Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria

http://www.dvrcv.org.au/support-services/national-services

Legal information Girls Gotta Know – Legal information for young women

http://girlsgottaknow.com.au/

Re-focus app – Legal information

https://www.wlsq.org.au/resources/legal-toolkit/re-focus-app/

Find Law

http://www.findlaw.com.au/default.aspx

Law Stuff

http://www.lawstuff.org.au/

Women’s Legal Service QLD – Fact sheets

https://www.wlsq.org.au/resources/legal-toolkit/national-infosheets

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Glossary

Beneficiary: A beneficiary is a person who receives a benefit or advantage (usually

money) from a will, trust, life insurance or superannuation policy.

Binding nomination: When a policy holder chooses who their superannuation

should be paid to if they die, they are making a binding nomination. This means the

trustee of a superannuation fund must pay the death benefit to the person listed in the

binding nomination.

Borrower: A borrower is a person who gets money under a loan contract and has a

legal obligation to pay it back.

Breach: A breach happens when the conditions of a court order are broken. Court

orders include family law court orders or domestic and family violence orders (DFV

Order). Breaching a DFV Order can be a criminal offence and if your (ex) partner

breaches the order, you should contact the police. Breaching family law court orders

can also have consequences. You should get legal advice about this.

Caveat: A caveat is a notice that protects your estate or interest in a property.

Caveats stop the registered owner from selling or transferring ownership of the

property without your permission. Caveats are lodged through the titles office in your

state or territory. To lodge a caveat you have to explain the reason for your interest in

the property. You should get legal advice about this.

Child support: Child support refers to the financial support of children paid by a

parent. It is a legal obligation.

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Chronology: A chronology is the arrangement of events or dates in the order of their

occurrence. For example, ‘on 1 January 2000, we got bought a house in joint names’.

Coercion and Control: Coercion and control are types of domestic and family

violence. For example, your (ex) partner might:

Follow you

Know where you are all the time

Go into your personal information (such as your email account)

Keep information from you

Harass you with calls, texts or emails

Prevent you from seeing your friends or family

Consent: Consent is giving your permission to do something.

De facto: A de facto relationship is when two people are in a ‘marriage like’

relationship. It includes same-sex relationships. The court can look at a number of

things to determine whether a de facto relationship existed between two people, such

as the length of the relationship, the care and support of children, and the nature and

extent of their common residence. If you are unsure, you should get legal advice

about this.

Debt collector: A debt collector can be:

A person or organisation who is employed to collect debts for creditors, or

A specialist debt collection organisation who buys debts from creditors.

Debtor: A debtor is a person who owes money to another person or company. The

person may owe money for an unpaid loan, car accident, or a service such as legal fees

or education expenses.

Default: Default happens when you don’t pay a debt.

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Domestic and Family Violence (DFV): The definition of domestic and family

violence (DFV) is different depending on your state or territory. It covers abuse

committed by one person against another. It can occur in intimate relationships,

family relationships or carer relationships.

DFV is about gaining or keeping power and control over another person causing fear

and intimidation. It includes different types of abuse such as:

coercion and control emotional abuse financial abuse neglect physical abuse sexual abuse spiritual abuse systems abuse technology abuse threats and intimidation verbal abuse

Domestic and family violence order: A domestic and family violence order (DFV order) is called something different in each state and territory.

It is a court order to protect you against future domestic and family violence (DFV).

It will have conditions about what the other person named on the order cannot do to

you.

If the other person does those things, it is a breach and can be reported to the police.

The order can be temporary (in place until a final decision is made) or final (in place for

a certain amount of time).

Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For

example, your (ex) partner might:

Manipulate you

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Emotionally blackmail you

Threaten to release intimate images or videos of you

Threaten to ‘out’ you if you are in a same sex relationship

Play ‘mind games’ to make you think you are crazy

Make threats to kill or harm themselves to control your behaviour.

You can find out more information on:

1800 RESPECT – What is domestic and family violence?

https://www.1800respect.org.au/family-friends/common-questions/what-is-domestic-family-violence/

Exemption: An exemption means you are free from doing something you had to. For

example, not having to pay a certain fee or pay back a debt.

Family Dispute Resolution: Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a process to help you

and your (ex) partner try and reach agreement without going to court. It is a

formal meeting with your (ex) partner and a FDR practitioner to try and work out your

dispute. An FDR practitioner is a neutral and independent person; this means that they

are not on your side, and they are not on your (ex) partner’s side.

For more information, see:

Relationships Australia

https://www.relationships.org.au/

Financial abuse: Financial abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For example,

your (ex) partner might:

Give you a small budget or no money at all

Control the finances

Keep money from you

Monitor your spending

Stop you from working or studying

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Stop you from making financial decisions

Stop you accessing a bank account, cash, benefits or your pension

Demand money from you

Keep your property

Force you to sign documents and take on debts

You can take a quiz to find out if you have experienced financial abuse and read

information about relationship debt here:

Women Talk Money – Financial abuse

https://www.womentalkmoney.org.au/financial-abuse

Women’s Information and Resource Exchange (WIRE) – Money and debt

https://www.wire.org.au/money-and-debt/

Financial hardship: Financial hardship is when you cannot make the repayments on

your loans and debts when they are due because you do not have enough money.

Guarantor: A guarantor is a person who signs a contract with a lender that says that

they will have to pay back the loan if the borrower does not pay. The guarantor’s house

is often given as security and can be sold if the loan is not repaid.

Health directive: A health directive is a legal document prepared by someone that

details what actions should be taken if they are no longer able to make decisions for

themselves because of illness or incapacity.

Interest rates: Interest rates are the percentage of the total loan or deposit that you

have to pay to the bank or lender, in addition to the total amount you borrowed.

Intimate relationship: An intimate relationship is a very close, personal relationship

with someone such as your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, or long-term partner.

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Legal proceedings: If you have started a court action, or if someone has started a

court action against you, this is called a legal proceeding. This includes if you have been

served with court documents, have court orders, are going through legal proceedings

or your (ex) partner or their lawyer has sent you a letter and wants you to respond.

Neglect: Neglect is a type of domestic and family violence that may happen if your (ex)

partner is your carer. For example, your (ex) partner might neglect you if they:

Refuse to help you with your daily tasks such as wash you or feed you, or do it in

a hurtful way

Keep your medication

Refuse to take you to your appointments

Insist on going into your appointments with you

Next of kin: Your next of kin is your closest living relative or relatives.

Overdraft: An overdraft is when you can take more money out of your bank account

than you have deposited into it. The money will have to be paid back, usually with fees

and interest added.

Permanent resident: A permanent resident is a non-citizen of Australia who holds a

permanent visa and can work and live in Australia without restriction.

Physical abuse: Physical abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For example,

your (ex) partner might:

Hit, flog, or bash you

Punch, shove, or kick you

Strangle you

Hurt your pets

Damage your property

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Policy: An insurance policy is the terms and conditions of the insurance contract.

Policy holder: A policy holder is a person who has a policy.

Property settlement: Property settlement is the division of property (assets and

debts) between you and your (ex) partner after separation.

Reasonable: What is “reasonable” will depend on your circumstances and will be

different for each person and family. If possible you should get legal advice about

what is reasonable in your situation.

Redraw facility: A redraw facility is something attached to your mortgage or loan

that lets you take out more money from your loan, which will have to be repaid.

Repossession: Repossession is when the lender takes possession of goods or land

because a loan or lease is not repaid. Often the goods or land have been used as

security for a loan or lease.

Reproductive control: Reproductive control is a type of domestic and family

violence and can be linked to sexual abuse. For example, your (ex) partner might:

Try and control your birth control

Force you to terminate a pregnancy or to fall pregnant

Safety plan: A safety plan helps you to think about your situation and develop a plan

of action in case it becomes unsafe. It is made to suit you and your children’s

circumstances and promotes safety when experiencing domestic and family violence.

Separation: Separation is when a relationship ends on a final basis. You can tell your

(ex) partner directly that the relationship is over, or evidence can show that the

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relationship is over (such as no longer being intimate with one another and that you are

both sleeping in separate rooms). You and your (ex) partner can be separated even if

you are living under the same roof.

Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For example,

your (ex) partner might:

Touch you or kiss you without your consent

Force you to have sex

For more information, see:

1800 RESPECT – What is sexual assault

https://www.1800respect.org.au/get-help/common-questions/what-is-sexual-assault/

Social abuse: Social abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For example,

your (ex) partner might:

Ridicule or criticise your friends and family

Stop you from being with them or contacting them

Take you away from them

Publicly humiliate, belittle, or shame you.

Spiritual abuse: Spiritual abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For

example, your (ex) partner might:

Force you to join a group

Stop you from practising your faith or participating in your culture

Speak badly about you in your spiritual or cultural community

Systems abuse: Systems abuse is a type of domestic and family violence. For

example, your (ex) partner might:

Repeatedly threaten to or take you to court

Threaten to use or manipulate the legal system against you

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Report you to authorities such as the Child Support Agency to reduce or

prevent your payment

Technology abuse: Technology abuse is a type of domestic and family violence

where someone uses technology and devices to control and abuse you. For example,

your (ex) partner might:

Track you on your devices

Put spyware on your devices

Threaten to share intimate photos of you (which is called image based abuse in

some states and territories).

For more information about image based abuse, see:

eSafety – Image based abuse

https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/esafety-issues/image-based-abuse

Threats and intimidation: Threats and intimidation are a type of domestic and

family violence. For example, your (ex) partner might:

Make threats or try and intimidate you such as threaten to hit you and the

children

Threaten to kill you and make you feel unsafe as if you are ‘walking on eggshells’

Utility provider: A utility provider supplies an essential service such as electricity or

water. Examples of utility providers in Australia are Telstra and Energex.

Verbal abuse: Verbal abuse is a type of domestic and family violence that can be

linked to emotional abuse. For example, your (ex) partner might abuse you verbally if

they:

Use bad or offensive language towards you

Call you names

Put you down

Yell and scream at you

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Waive: If a lender waives a debt (or gives you a waiver) you are released from the debt

or claim. This means you will not have to pay the debt.

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For other questions, queries or information on supporting Penda please

contact Women’s Legal Service Queensland on 07 3392 0644 or

at: penda@wlsq.org.au