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Gender-based violence information for PALM scheme employers

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Content warning: this page contains information about gender-based violence, family and domestic violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Some readers may find this content distressing.

Telephone icon Need urgent help? 

  • If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
  • For non-emergency police assistance, call (131 444).
  • For confidential counselling, information or support, contact 1800RESPECT on (1800 737 732) or visit the website. 

Everyone deserves to live safely and free from violence.

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence requires a shared effort across communities, workplaces, specialist services and government.

This page brings together practical information and support pathways that employers and other stakeholders can use when supporting Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers affected by gender-based violence. It includes PALM scheme information and links to specialist services and authoritative information about workplace rights and responsibilities.

This page provides general information only. It does not replace advice or assistance from specialist services, legal advice, or authoritative information about an employer’s obligations under workplace and other applicable laws.

 

What is gender-based violence?

Gender-based violence is any act that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. This definition is taken from the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 - 2032.

Gender-based violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, economic, reproductive and technology-facilitated abuse. It can also involve coercive control, threats, intimidation, or restrictions on a person's freedom, autonomy or participation in community life.

Gender-based violence can occur in relationships, families, workplaces, accommodation settings, communities and online.

 

If someone discloses violence or abuse

The following steps are provided as support employers or stakeholders when gender-based violence is suspected or disclosed:

1. Check immediate safety

  • Consider whether the person is safe now. 
  • If there is immediate danger, or serious injuries, call Triple Zero (000). 

2. Listen and respond safely

If someone chooses to disclose violence or abuse:

  • believe them
  • listen without judgement
  • do not pressure them to provide details
  • reassure them that support is available
  • respect their privacy and personal circumstances
  • ask if they would like specialist support, such as calling 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Tip: consider using an interpreter to ensure you understand each other. You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on (131 450).

You can refer to Supporting someone on the 1800RESPECT website for more information.

3. Connect with appropriate support

There are a range of support options that can be offered. These might include:

  • 1800RESPECT
  • state and territory domestic and family violence services
  • legal assistance services
  • migrant and multicultural support services
  • health and counselling services
  • interpreting services such as TIS National
  • local community support services. 

It is important not to pressure them to engage with specialist support.

4. Consider contacting the PALM scheme support service line

After considering safety and support needs, you may contact the PALM scheme support service line on (1800 51 51 31) to discuss your concerns, report an incident or seek support to respond.

5. Continue support

Someone's support needs may change over time. Depending on the individual's circumstances and preferences, other forms of support may include:

  • their network of support
  • referrals to local or culturally appropriate support services
  • providing information about relevant employment entitlements, such as Family and Domestic Violence Leave
  • considering workplace supports or adjustments required, such as leave and flexible work arrangements
  • transport assistance and accommodation considerations
  • other support (financial support through Leaving Violence Program, legal services).
 

PALM scheme resources to support workers 

There are resources available on the PALM scheme website that may help people understand their rights, responsibilities and support options. Relevant resources are available at the following links: 

 

Where to get help 

National support services 
1800RESPECT
  • The national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence. 
  • Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
  • Interpreters are available.
  • Call 1800RESPECT on (1800 737 732) or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
MensLine Australia 
  • Telephone and online support for men.
  • Call (1300 78 99 78).
No to Violence
  • Information, referral and support for people concerned about their behaviour.
  • Call (03 9259 4200).
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
  • Support for LGBTQ+ communities who have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence, and their families.
  • Call (1800 497 212).
eSafety Commissioner
  • Information and support for online abuse, image-based abuse and technology-facilitated violence.
Healthdirect
  • Free health advice from registered nurses.
  • Call (1800 022 222). 
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
  • Interpreting support for people who need help communicating in English.
  • Call (131 450). 
 

Find support in your state or territory

State and territory support services are listed by jurisdiction so employers can quickly find local services relevant to their location. 

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT Policing

Victims Support ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

Women's Legal Centre ACT

Legal Aid ACT

  • Website: Legal Aid ACT
  • Phone: 1300 654 314 (Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

Beryl Women Inc

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW Police Force

NSW Victims Services

Domestic Violence Line

Legal Aid NSW

  • Website: Legal Aid NSW
  • Phone: 1300 888 529 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)

Women’s Legal Service NSW

  • Website: Women's Legal Service NSW
  • Phone: Domestic Violence advice line (02) 8745 6999 (Monday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Tuesday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Thursday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm)

Immigration Advice and Rights Centre

Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS)

  • Website: WDVCAS
  • Phone: 1800 938 227

Link2Home Homelessness

  • Website: Link2Home
  • Phone: 1800 152 152 (24 hours, 7 days)

Immigrant Women's SpeakOut

NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety

Northern Territory (NT)

Northern Territory Police Force

Victims Support

  • Website: Victims Support
  • Phone: 1800 460 363 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm)

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

  • Website: Sexual Assault Referral Centres
  • Phone: (08) 8922 6472 (24 hours, 7 days) or:
    • Darwin: (08) 8922 6472
    • Katherine: (08) 8973 8524
    • Tennant Creek: (08) 8962 4361
    • Alice Springs: (08) 8955 4500

Darwin Domestic Violence Counselling Service

Central Australian Women's Legal Service (CAWLS)

  • Website: CAWLS
  • Phone: 1800 684 055 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

Katherine Women's Information and Legal Service (KWILS)

  • Website: KWILS
  • Phone: 1800 620 108

Top End Women's Legal Service (TEWLS)

  • Website: TEWLS
  • Phone: 1800 234 441 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA)

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland Police Service (QPS)

  • Website: QPS
  • Phone: 131 444 (24 hours, 7 days)

Victims Assist Queensland

Homelessness Hotline

Women’s Legal Service Queensland

North Queensland Women’s Legal Service

Legal Aid Queensland

  • Website: Legal Aid
  • Phone: 1300 651 188 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)

Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS)

  • Website: RAILS
  • Phone: (07) 3846 9300 (Monday-Friday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm)

DV Connect

  • Website: DV Connect
  • Phone: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days)

South Australia (SA)

South Australia Police

Victims of Crime

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

  • Phone: 1300 782 200 (24 hours, 7 days)

Women’s Legal Service South Australia

Legal Services Commission of South Australia

Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA)

  • Website: WSSSA
  • Phone: 1800 800 098

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania Police

Victims Support Service

Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service

Legal Aid Tasmania

Women’s Legal Service Tasmania

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria Police

Victims of Crime

  • Website: Victims of Crime
  • Phone: 1800 819 817 (Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm)

Legal Aid Victoria

Women’s Legal Service Victoria

Refugee Legal

  • Website: Refugee Legal
  • Phone: (03) 9413 0100 (Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm)

inTouch

  • Website: inTouch
  • Phone: 1800 755 988 (Everyday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

  • Website: Safe Steps
  • Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours, 7 days)

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australian Police Force

Victims Support Service

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline

Circle Green Community Legal

Northern Suburbs Community Legal

  • Website: NSC Legal Inc
  • Phone: (08) 9440 1663 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Legal Aid WA

  • Website: Legal Aid WA
  • Phone: 1300 650 579 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)

Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services

Multicultural Services Centre of WA

Luma Women’s Health Services Perth 

 

Information and support for specific issues

Gender-based violence can involve different forms of harm and may affect different areas of a person’s life. This section provides links to information and specialist services for specific issues including: online and technology-facilitated abuse, financial abuse, forced marriage, financial assistance, visa concerns and legal support.

Employers and stakeholders can share relevant information to support them to consider options available. 

Online safety and technology-facilitated abuse

People experiencing online abuse, image-based abuse or technology-facilitated abuse may need specialist support.
Useful resources include:

Financial abuse

Financial abuse can include controlling access to money, wages, bank accounts, debt or financial decisions.

Employers can refer to the Moneysmart website for more information. 

Forced marriage and modern slavery

People affected by forced marriage or modern slavery may need specialist legal, safety and support services.

Employers can refer to the My Blue Sky website for more information. 

Financial support for victim-survivors

The Leaving Violence Program provides support to eligible victim-survivors aged 18 years and over who are leaving a violent intimate partner relationship.

Important: eligibility for the program does not depend on visa status.

Support may include:

  • risk and needs assessments
  • safety planning
  • referrals to specialist support services
  • financial assistance.

To access support, call 1800 2 LEAVE (1800 253 283) or visit the Leaving Violence Program website.

Financial planning and separation resources

People experiencing domestic or family violence may also need support managing finances after leaving a relationship. Useful resource:

Visa information and support

Temporary visa holders experiencing domestic and family violence can access information and support about visa-related matters.

The Department of Home Affairs provides information about:

  • available support services
  • visa-related information for people experiencing violence
  • privacy and confidentiality considerations
  • where to get help.

Temporary visa holders experiencing domestic and family violence can also contact the Department of Home Affairs through a dedicated online form.

Legal information and support

People may need legal information about protection orders, family law, family violence, safety planning and accessing legal assistance. Useful resources include:

Employment information and support

People may need employment information about family and domestic violence leave and sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace. Useful resources include:

 

Image of paperwork iconFrequently asked questions 

A frequently asked questions (FAQs) document has been developed to support employers to understand and respond appropriately to gender-based violence. The FAQs are intended to support employers when gender-based violence may be affecting a worker, and should be used alongside existing PALM scheme guidance, workplace policies and referral pathways.

Have questions or need advice?

If you have any queries, please call (1800 51 51 31), or email (palm@dewr.gov.au). Please note the support service line and email inbox are monitored 8:30 am to 6:30 pm AEST - calls after hours should be for critical incidents only.