A crisis support group has urged the ACT Government to supply additional funding so they can continue assisting victims of domestic violence in Canberra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With several high profile murders linked to alleged domestic violence in recent months, vulnerable Canberrans are continuing to rely on the help of strangers who volunteer their time to listen.
"The calls can be about anything from concerns about a new relationship right through to I am absolutely in fear for my safety," Lifeline chief executive Carrie Leeson said.
"The nature of working on the phones is that we don't know what each caller is going to detail and what the issue might be until we start talking with them."
Ms Leeson said she had close to 300 people working on the phones but lost around 100 people each year, with many moving interstate for work or further study.
'We know that we only get to around 85 percent of calls nationally and that with additional resources and more volunteers we could get to all of them," she said.
Ms Leeson said the many domestic violence services worked well together and could provide Canberrans with many forms of support.
"There are so many fantastic avenues for individuals to seek help and assistance and it's a case of all government agencies collaborating to get the message out so a one size fits all remedy is not applied," she said.
While Lifeline provides anonymity for those hesitant to be identified, volunteers remain willing and able to contact authorities should they believe people are in danger.
"We do work with the police, ambulance and fire services where appropriate to secure individuals at risk although the caller has the choice to remain anonymous throughout the call," she said.
Lifeline is perhaps best known for its focus on suicide prevention, but Ms Leeson said volunteers were also trained to deal with domestic violence issues, along with loneliness, anxiety, depression or stress.
"Our crisis support service allows for a safe space for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence to talk about their experience, to process their feelings and relieve their distress," she said.
"Where the safety of the caller or any children involved is in doubt we immediately engage emergency services to ensure the safety and security of all involved."
Ms Leeson said the volunteers – of all ages and professions – were there to listen and offer resources and practical help where appropriate
"In the instance of safety concerns, [we] set the wheels in motion immediately to secure the safety of the caller and their children with the engagement of emergency services," she said.
"We encourage anyone who is experiencing abuse, be that physical, emotional, financial or sexual, to call us on 13 11 14 if they feel they need a safe space to seek help."
Ms Leeson said Lifeline also provide domestic violence awareness training to anyone in the Canberra community who would like assist others with domestic violence.
"These courses are hugely informative and helpful for those who may come into contact with those experiencing domestic violence," she said.
Ms Leeson also called on the ACT government to take a greater interest in preventing more deaths and voiced frustration with current funding levels.
Earlier this month, Lifeline reported the suicide rate in Canberra was increasingly dramatically with the ACT averaging one suicide a week.
The number of confirmed suicides in Canberra increased from 24 in 2012 to 37 in 2013 but Lifeline has been told the number has continued to increase in 2014 and 2015.
Support is available for anyone who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 131 114; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
