DVCS remains open during the holiday period for crisis services. Photo: Supplied
It’s been a difficult year for many reasons and throughout the bushfires and pandemic, concerns over family and domestic violence have spiked. Holidays never make that easier as tensions rise.
With that in mind, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service wants people in the ACT who are impacted by family and domestic violence to know that their service remains open and able to support people throughout the holiday season.
“This is usually our busiest time of year”, Alanna Davis who is the DVCS Community Development and Engagement Manager, said.
“We don’t know what this year is going to look like given the increased travel restrictions and the unfolding situation in Sydney and surrounding area. We are monitoring it very closely”.
Alanna says that clients often believe that the service is closed over the holidays period and that they’ll be unable to access assistance.
“This is obviously very concerning. We’d like to get the word out that we are not closed and that people who need help in what can often be a difficult time should continue to call on us”.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service provides the ACT community with access to 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and a range of other services to support those in our community who are impacted by domestic and family violence.
“If you’re self isolating or quarantining, you do not have to live with violence. You can reach out to DVCS or the ACT Policing for help with your safety, even if that means moving to another location”, Alanna said.
DVCS services are available to anyone living in the ACT region affected by domestic and family violence including children, young people and adults.
Crisis services include telephone support, attendance with police at domestic and family violence incidents, access to safe emergency accommodation safety planning and referrals to support services.
Callers speak to someone specially trained in crisis intervention and support who understands domestic and family violence and understands that everyone’s situation is different. Callers are not pressured to leave, to call police or involve the courts.
You can reach DVCS via text on 0421268492, email them at crisis@dvcs.org.au or visit their website at www.dvcs.org.au.
If you’d like to help with fundraising for DVCS, you can buy the annual Pet calendar with a Christmas discount, or give to the DVCS Secret Santa appeal. These funds assist with emergency accommodation, groceries, petrol and Christmas needs for families displaced by violence or in need of support. Find out more here
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