Everyone has the right to feel safe and live in an environment free from violence. Renting laws provide options to help victims escape domestic violence.
Victims are able to:
- stay at the rented home and have the perpetrator leave; or
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- leave the rented premises and be removed from the rental agreement.
Staying
Staying means you will need to apply to SACAT to have the perpetrator removed from the rental agreement.
Leaving
Leaving means you will need to apply to SACAT to either end your part in the agreement or terminate the agreement altogether.
All applications to SACAT are made online. You can use a computer, tablet or smart phone.
The application form will prompt you for the information needed.
If you make a SACAT Online Services account, you can return to your application at any time to provide more information or documents before submitting it.
If you are unable to complete the form online, you can contact the Tribunal for assistance on 1800 723 767 and a staff member may assist you complete the form by telephone.
You can also visit SACAT’s offices at Level 4 or 7, 100 Pirie Street, and use a computer at one of SACAT’s public kiosks where staff may also provide assistance.
If you are fearful of being subjected to domestic abuse, contact your local police station to discuss appropriate responses.
Call 131 444 for patrol assistance, or call 000 in case of emergency.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with abuse, Uniting Country SA provides domestic and family violence support services in regional South Australia.
For over 120 years, Uniting Country SA has been caring for country people. They are passionate about engaging, elevating and enriching the lives of adults, children and families in country communities. Their respectful and inclusive services are designed to make everyone feel supported and comfortable.
They can help with:
- Crises intervention
- Safety Planning
- Case Management and referral services
They offer a range of Programs:
- Yorke and Mid North Domestic Violence Service
This service may provide a range of domestic and family violence support services that includes crisis intervention, emergency accommodation, financial support and other intervention services. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North regions.
- Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) helps people find out if their current or ex-partner has been violent or abusive in the past, as recorded by the police. This is for those who think they might be in danger of domestic violence. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North and Far North regions.
- Escaping Violence Payment
The Escaping Violence Payment is available to anyone who is leaving a violent partner and is struggling with the finances to do so. Up to $5,000 in financial assistance can assist with removalists, bonds, basic supplies for a new home, or wraparound services including caseworker support. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North, Far North and Eyre Western regions.
- Safe at Home
Safe at Home services support women and children who have experienced domestic violence to stay safely in their current or chosen home. Services include assessment, safety planning, home security audits and security upgrades. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North and Far North regions.
- Male Perpetrator Program
This counselling service offers help for those who have been abusive, aiming to create positive changes to reduce the effects and incidence of domestic and family violence in the future. This service is available in Yorke & Mid North, Far North.
- Coober Pedy Homelessness and Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Service
This service assists people who are at risk of homelessness in regional South Australia as well as provides domestic and family violence support. They assist families, single adults, young people, and couples with needs assessments, crisis intervention, information, advocacy and counselling. This service is available in Far North regions.
- The Haven (Safety Hub)
The Port Pirie Haven provides information and referrals for women. All women located in Port Pirie and surrounding areas are welcome.
The Riverland Domestic Violence Service (RDVS) supports women and children who are experiencing domestic violence. The Service provides short-term accommodation, confidential and professional counselling, and information and referrals for options in housing, medical, legal, income and advocacy.
We also provide outreach support for women who do not require accommodation but are still experiencing domestic violence.
Our staff provide individual case management in a culturally-sensitive way that is respectful of people’s needs. The RDVS also plays an important role in the community, educating people about domestic violence and women’s safety.
Click HERE for more information.
Program details
Who: Women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
Where: The service is located in Berri.
Contact: The team (08) 8215 6380, after hours at 1800 800 098 or rdvs@centacare.org.au
24-hour counselling is available on 1800 737 732 (the National Sexual Assault, Domestic, Family Violence Counselling Service).
Helping pets and people in family violence situations
RSPCA South Australia is committed to working with the community and all organisations responding to domestic and family violence to help families and their pets find safety.
Practical information for keeping pets safe in domestic and family violence situations
Need someone else to care for your pet while you escape a violent relationship?
Keep the following information with you:
- A photo of your pet, and a document containing their name, age and feeding schedule, what they normally eat, details of any medical conditions, their temperament, likes and dislikes (including whether they can be boarded with children/other animals), whether they live indoors/outdoors, whether they have a history of escaping/jumping fences etc.
- Something to prove you own the pet (for example: registration or vet bills in your name).
- Details of your pet’s current veterinary clinic alongside any copies of medical records, proof of vaccination records and/or microchip details
Plan for keeping your pet safe and where it might go if temporary care is required.
Be prepared with the following:
- Keep your pet’s leash, collar, harness, ID tags and carrier cage at hand.
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have proof of vaccination.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and that your microchip contact details are up to date.
- Speak with family and friends to see if they would be willing to provide temporary boarding.
- Be sure to carry a copy of contact details for emergency animal carers in your wallet, mobile phone or bag.
- In some cases local councils, community groups or social workers may be able to help you.
- Contact DV helplines to check for availability of pet-friendly services: 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT) or 1800 800 098 (Domestic Violence Crisis Line). DV services are becoming increasingly pet-inclusive.
- Search the PetRescue Knowledge Base to find your local rescue and crisis support groups.
- Alternatively, temporary pet sitters often advertise online on websites such as PetCloud.
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If you wish to discuss emergency accommodation for your pet, call RSPCA South Australia on 1300 47 7722.
Sanctuary House provides supported crisis accommodation for single women and women with children escaping domestic violence.
The women are assisted with immediate needs; a safe place to stay, Centrelink contact and help to establish an income, assistance with food, counselling and support. Bramwell House staff are committed to enabling women and their children, who have suffered abuse to make a new start.
Referrals to Bramwell House are accessible by calling the Domestic Violence Crisis Service on 1800 800 098.
- Bramwell House will promote best practice in an effort to provide the highest quality of care and services to women and children escaping domestic violence.
- Bramwell House seeks to encourage active participation and input of all staff and volunteers and will value ideas and feedback as to the service's structure and direction.
- Bramwell House is committed to a process of continuous improvement and works in conjunction with existing women's services.
Dial 000 if an emergency
The H.A.L.T. Map Project aims to connect victims experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse, directly with front line agencies who are also an authorized DV Safe Phone distributer in Australia.
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence (DV) through registered charities, safe houses and authorities serving this vulnerable community.
These organisations have people who are trained and resourced to assist victims with their individual needs and circumstances. This includes the provision of a 'safe plan' or 'escape plan' - alongside DV Safe Phone's gifted mobile phones.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse, and are in need of a mobile phone to access emergency or crisis support services, you can search for an authorised agency via the H.A.L.T Map online link provided.
If you are unsure which agency is the best fit for you, call 1800 RESPECT to be directed to an agency that can support your needs.
Provides free and confidential services for women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence in the catchment areas within Southern Metropolitan Adelaide.
The Yellow Gate is a one-stop drop-in service where women and families can access support.
Supports include:
- Individual counselling in person or via phone.
- Therapeutic group programs.
If you are in immediate danger contact 000.
The Zahra Foundation exists to support women recovering from domestic abuse to build a more empowered life and gain financial independence.
The Zahra Foundation provides programs, services, education and support that empowers you to take the next steps forward and build a life free from poverty and abuse.
The programs that The Zahra Foundations offer include:
Pathways to Employment
A 9-week program for women impacted by domestic abuse that allows you to connect with yourself, identify your goals and take the next steps to realise them. Discover pathways to education, training and employment within a supportive, non-judgemental community, empowering you to build the life you want.
Financial Counselling
A free service for women impacted by domestic abuse-related debt and financial hardship. Specialist, trauma and violence informed Financial Counsellors are non-judgemental and supportive in their approach and empower you with skills, knowledge and choices to build the life you want.
Opportunity Knox Small Grants
While recovering from domestic abuse, if you are experiencing financial hardship or facing barriers associated with the costs of gaining and sustaining education or employment, you may be eligible for the small grants program.
Workshops
The Zahra Foundation hosts a range of educational workshops that build skills and provide information that can support women in their journey to economic independence. The workshops are centred around tools, skills and information that can assist in entering and maintaining education, employment and training, such as financial literacy, budgeting, and resume writing.
Open House
The Zahra Foundation "Open House" morning tea is held once a month, providing participants with a safe and supportive space and access to information from key service providers across the range of services and programs that are available during recovery from domestic abuse that supports building independence. It is also an opportunity to connect with the Zahra community.
Support service for anyone experiencing domestic and family violence or wanting assistance in managing anger and violent behaviours.
Counselling supports for anyone experiencing abuse.
Supports include:
- Counselling supports for individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence.
- Supports for individuals wanting to address use of anger and violence.
- Women's support group.
- Men's stopping violence program.