Section outline

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    Objective and Key Topics

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    • Objective

      In this module, you will explore what it means to refer someone experiencing family violence to the right supports and services.

       Referrals are a crucial part of the response process – helping ensure that individuals are connected with professionals who are trained to provide the specialised care they need.

      This module will help you:

      • Understand why referrals are important
      • Identify when and how to make a referral
      • Explore different types of services available
      • Learn how to make referrals in a safe, respectful, and empowering way
    • Key Topics
      1. What is referral?
      2. Why referrals matter?
      3. When to make a referral?
      4. Safe and respectful referrals
      5. What services can I refer to?
      6. Referring with sensitivity
      7. Common challenges and what to do
      8. What is a safety plan?
      9. Quiz
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    Lecture

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    What is a Referral?

    • A referral is the process of connecting someone experiencing family violence with a professional service that can offer help, safety, legal advice, housing, or emotional support.

      You don't need to fix everything yourself. Instead, you act as a bridge – offering information, emotional support, and guidance toward trusted help.

      Example:

      If someone tells you they’re being harmed at home, you can gently ask:

      "Would it help if I found someone you could talk to, like a support worker or a helpline?"

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    Why Referrals Matter

    • Referrals are important because:
      • Family violence can be complex and dangerous, and professionals are trained to manage these situations.
      • Many victims feel isolated and don’t know what support is available.
      • The right referral can connect someone to housing, safety planning, legal aid, counselling, or financial support.

      Key Message: Referrals give people options. Even if they don’t accept help right away, knowing support is there can be life-changing.

      <Podcast>

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    When to Make a Referral

    • You should consider making a referral when:

      • Someone discloses family violence to you.
      • You suspect someone is at risk of harm or coercion.
      • The person is open to help and ready to talk about options.

      However, always respect their choices and readiness. Never force a referral. Ask:
      "Would you like me to help you find someone to talk to?"

      <Podcast>

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    Safe and Respectful Referrals

    • When making a referral:
      • Ask for consent before sharing any information.
      • Be discreet – don’t write things down or make phone calls unless it’s safe to do so.
      • Be culturally aware – different communities may prefer different services.
      • Respect privacy and timing – people may need time before they accept help.
       
      Practice Saying:
      • “There are free, confidential services that can help—would you like their number?”
      • “You don’t have to go through this alone. I can connect you to someone safe.”
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    What Services Can I Refer To?

    • Here are some key support services in Australia:
      • 1800RESPECT – National 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service
        📞 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au
      • Local domestic violence services – Many areas have women’s refuges, Aboriginal family violence prevention services, or CALD-specific supports.
      • Police (000 in an emergency) – Can help with immediate protection and legal action.
      • Legal Aid – Helps with protection orders, custody issues, and legal rights.
      • Child protection services – If children are at risk.
      • Mental health and trauma support – For emotional care and healing.
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    Referring with Sensitivity (Cultural and Accessibility Considerations)

      • Consider if the person needs support in their language or from a service that understands their culture.
      • Be aware of services for:
        • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
        • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
        • LGBTQIA+ individuals
        • People with disabilities
      • Some services may have advocates or interpreters available.

      Tip: Keep a simple list of services relevant to your community.

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    Common Challenges and What to Do

    • Sometimes people:
      • Don’t want help right now – Respect this and leave the door open.
      • Fear being judged – Stay calm and reassuring.
      • Worry about children or losing housing – These fears are real; connect them to services that understand these challenges.
      What you can say:
      • “I understand this is scary. You’re not alone.”
      • “Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.”
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    What is a Safety Plan?

    • A safety plan is a personalised, practical plan that includes ways to stay safe while in a violent relationship, planning to leave, or after leaving. It is designed to reduce risk and help someone feel more in control. Safety plans are important because leaving or attempting to leave a violent relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim.

      A safety plan is not a one-size-fits-all checklist. It is a flexible plan that someone creates with or without professional help, based on their specific circumstances. The plan helps the person think through how they can protect themselves and their children in different scenarios—at home, at work, in public, or when using technology.

      It can include:
      • Steps to take during a violent incident
      • A packed “go-bag” with essentials
      • Safe places to go
      • Trusted contacts
      • Emergency numbers
      • Information about how to keep children safe
      • Ways to stay safer online or with devices

      Importantly, safety planning does not mean the person is ready to leave. It simply gives them options and helps them feel more prepared and supported.

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    Why is Safety Planning Important?

    • Safety planning:
      • Empowers the person by giving them a sense of control in a situation where they may feel powerless.
      • Reduces harm and increases awareness of danger signs or escalating situations.
      • Provides steps for action that don’t rely on leaving immediately—helpful for people who may be staying for emotional, financial, cultural, or legal reasons.
      • Includes both immediate and long-term strategies for safety.
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    How Can You Help Someone Create a Safety Plan?

    • You don’t need to be an expert to help. You can:

      • Listen without judgment
      • Ask, “Would it be helpful if we talked about a plan for your safety?”
      • Refer them to professionals who can help build a detailed plan (such as 1800RESPECT or a local domestic violence service)
      • Offer to help gather resources like a checklist, contacts, or a safe bag

      A good safety plan is kept private and secure, either memorised, hidden, or stored in a password-protected digital space.

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    Helpful Resources

      • 📄 1800RESPECT Safety Planning Guide (Australia)
      • 🛠️ Safety Plan Templates (available through most domestic violence services or counsellors)
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    Helpful Websites

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    Reflective Questions

      1. How do you think it feels to be referred to a support service?
      2. What could you say to someone who doesn’t want help right now?
      3. How can you make sure your referral is safe and respectful?