Lifeline records biggest number of calls and online support as Australia grapples with domestic violence crisis

Lifeline says it was contacted by a record number of people on Sunday, following a week of renewed spotlight on the severity of violence against women in Australia.

The national crisis support service group said it received almost 3,500 voice calls to its 24/7 hotline on Sunday in the highest number it has got on one day so far this year.

It also fielded nearly 1,000 text and webchat messages on that day, in what the charity says is the second highest amount ever.

When calls and digital contacts are combined, it ranks as the Lifeline’s busiest day on record with a level of people seeking support 20 per cent above the annual average.

Lifeline researcher Dr Tara Hunt said that while the services are confidential and anonymous, call volumes tend to arise when there are compounding stresses felt collectively.

“This variation in magnitude really does reflect the amount of distress that the Australian community is experiencing at the moment… [about] the horrific incidents of violence against women that has really come to the forefront over recent days and weeks,” Dr Hunt said.

The latest figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that an estimated 3.8 million Australians have reported experiencing physical and/or sexual family and domestic violence since the age of 15 — equal to 20 per cent of the population.

This year, 25 women have died violently from gender-based violence, including NSW woman Molly Ticehurst who was found dead last week.

Thousands of people across the country marched at rallies on Sunday, demanding an end to the family and domestic violence national crisis.

“This really hits home very closely to everyone, when the details of these sad and horrific events are in the media,” Dr Hunt said.

Dr Hunt said the increase in calls could also be seen as a sign that people are reaching out and talking — as victim-survivors, or people concerned about themselves or someone they know.

“Lifeline exists to make sure that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone, and we exist for everyone to provide empathetic and non-judgmental support,” she said.

Dr Hunt added the charity implements a dedicated training program for its frontline workers and community members to identify, reduce and prevent domestic and family violence, by acting as a soundboard and recommending relevant services.

She said gendered violence prevention was everyone’s responsibility, and often begins with building connections to let victim-survivors know they are not alone.

“It’s really important that everyone has conversations in their families and with their friends about violence, about what is appropriate and safe.

“[It] really creates an open environment for people to reach out when they’re experiencing challenges.”