More than 70,000 Australians (calls and online) seek support from 1800RESPECT each year— the national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service—which highlights the prevalence of sexual assault, domestic and family violence

The campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Of the people contacting 1800RESPECT, more than 10 per cent contact the counselling and referral service more than once seeking support.

1800RESPECT General Manager, Nicole McMahon says that 1800RESPECT highly qualified councellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and people can contact the service as many times as they need. There is no limit to the amount of time that they can speak to a counsellor.

“Many people experiencing violence are in complex situations over varying periods of time and 1800RESPECT is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year,” Ms McMahon said.

1800RESPECT are inviting the important services that provide support to people experiencing violence to order 1800RESPECT promotional materials for their 16 Days events.

“1800RESPECT also sees Australians reach out and ask for information on how they can support friends, family and co-workers who might be experiencing or at risk of sexual assault, domestic and family violence,” Ms McMahon said.

“We encourage community groups, businesses and employers to contact us so that we can give them supportive resources,” Ms McMahon said.

Materials are designed to raise awareness about the 1800RESPECT service and to connect women experiencing violence to support, and include referral cards, information leaflets, posters and stickers. The materials can be ordered via the 1800RESPECT website.

This year, 1800RESPECT is highlighting the 16 Day campaign through a webinar, for workers and professionals on recognising and responding to image-based abuse.

Presented by researchers Dr Asher Flynn, Monash University, and Dr Nicola Henry, RMIT University, the webinar will provide an overview of the prevalence and impacts of image-based abuse, as well as the current legal and non-legal responses available to those who have experienced image-based abuse in Australia.

The confidential 1800RESPECT service provides information, referrals and counselling for people experiencing or at risk of violence, their friends and family, workers and professionals supporting someone experiencing, or at risk of violence.

The free service is available to anyone in Australia, via telephone and online chat. The 1800RESPECT service supports people with diverse needs and backgrounds, our counsellors can connect to interpreters and the National Relay Service when needed.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au In an emergency, call 000.

You can watch 1800Respect’s video for the 16 Days of Activism here.