Emergency Assistance

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

If you are in immediate danger phone 000.

If you are looking for assistance, emergency referral or crisis counselling phone us – Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay & Region) on 4953 1788 Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm.

After-hours: For 24-free, confidential QLD-based crisis counselling, emergency referral and information phone DV Connect on 1800 811 811.

Making a safety plan

If you have fears for your safety you should make a safety plan in case you need to leave in a hurry.

Things you should consider in your safety plan include: who you can trust to confide in, who you will call if you feel threatened, where you will go, how to ensure the safety of your children, how you can access money in an emergency, having an extra key to your house, packing medication and important papers and records.

Calling the police

If it is an emergency – if you’re in immediate danger – call 000. If your partner is being violent try to leave the house and take the children with you, if you can do it safely. If your partner has a firearm, phone the police. You have the right for the police to come to your home. Insist on it. They must help you.

If you’re worried you won’t be able to call the police when you need to, talk to a neighbour if possible and ask them to call the police for you if they think you are in danger.

Finding Accommodation

There are a number of accommodation options:

  • staying with family or friends
  • private rental (bond loans and rent assistance are available from Department of Housing)
  • public rental (contact the Department of Housing on 07 4967 0888)
  • a women’s refuge, a safe place for you and your children at a secret location. Phone DVRS on on 4953 1788 Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm or DV Connect on 1800 811 811 (24-hours).
  • CASA – Crisis Accommodation Support Agency offers assistance and support to families with housing needs in Mackay. Phone 07 4951 4299
  • The Community Rent Scheme offers short-to-medium term accommodation. Phone 07 4957 6292.

Phone the Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay and Region) on 07 4953 1788 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm) and we can help you navigate your options.

If you’re worried about a friend or family member

If you suspect that a friend or family member is experiencing domestic and family violence there are things you can do.

  • Support them by making sure they’re alone if you speak to them about the situation
  • Let them know they can speak to you safely
  • Listen to them
  • Do not blame them
  • Let them know it is not their fault
  • Respect their right to make their own decisions
  • Do not be critical or make negative comments about the abuser
  • Focus on their safety and the safety of their children.

Feel free to phone phone us for advice on 07 4953 1788 Monday – Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm or for 24-hour support phone DV Connect on 1800 811 811.