1800RESPECT has launched the That is Violence campaign. This campaign is part of our Disabilities Pathways Project, and aims to improve pathways and support for women with disability who are impacted by domestic abuse and violence.

Women with disability are impacted by domestic violence at a higher rate than other women. They also suffer for longer with international research indicating that they wait an average of 3.3 years before reaching out for support, compared to an average of 2.3 years for other women. When they do reach out, 1800RESPECT is there to help; a confidential telephone and online counselling service available for everyone living in Australia, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

You will see this campaign run in digital screens in shopping centres, posters in public facilities, and on several online platforms, including social media and YouTube. You are invited to share information about this campaign and 1800RESPECT to your professional networks, family and friends. Downloadable assets including video, social media tiles and posters are available from the That is Violence page on the 1800RESPECT website, as well as key information and copy about the campaign. You can also share posts from 1800RESPECT’s LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter channels.

1800RESPECT has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people using the service, particularly among women with disability. Since identifying these trends we’ve been investigating ways in which we can better enhance the 1800RESPECT service. In doing so, we have invested in our counsellor’s skills and training development to better understand the requirements and potential barriers people with disability may experience when using the service.

We hope this campaign increases awareness of 1800RESPECT specifically among women with a disability as a supportive and trusting service available to them 24 hours a day.

You can help us to raise awareness of how people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence can access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our services are available to people experiencing violence and abuse, as well as their support networks including family, friends and frontline workers.

This article was published on behalf of 1800RESPECT.