Your Path to Safety:
A Resource Guide for Parents Leaving FDV
When the situation you're leaving is one of family violence, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what steps to take to make it safe while you go and maintain as much stability as you can for your kids.
My dear parent,
It's okay to not have all the answers.
It's okay to just move one step at a time.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to get you started on your path to safety. You deserve a life that is free of violence. One where you feel safe to live, breathe and grow.
The services in this guide will help you with your safety plans, emergency accommodation and financial support. And when you’re in a safe enough place to be able to breathe a little lighter, we’re here to help you raise healthy, resilient kids, no matter what.
Getting Help & Staying Safe
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339 (24/7)
Call for crisis counselling, support in escaping safely, and referrals to refuges local to you.
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
This free, 24/7 service can help develop a Safety Plan with you. There’s the convenience of call, text, online chat or video call.
This online resource is specifically for women facing domestic violence and financial abuse. It covers everything from safety planning to managing money and finding a place to live.
1800 124 684
A free service for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Western Australia. The service may help you in securing safe, long-term accommodation.
Banking and Financial Assistance
Services Australia (Centrelink)
You may be eligible for a Crisis Payment (up to 4 payments in a 12 month period, equal to a week’s pay at the maximum basic rate of your income support payment) through Services Australia. Check eligibility and claim here.
Leaving Violence Program
This program is open to people of any gender, sexuality or visa status who is a victim-survivor of intimate partner violence. Financial assistance of up to $5,155 (including $1,500 bank transfer and up to $3,655 in goods and services), risk assessments, safety planning and referral services are available for eligible participants. Find out more here.
Banks
The below banks have dedicated teams to support you leave FDV safely. Confidential services include banking safety assessments, strategies to protect and access your money, arranging flexible payment options, and connecting you to relevant referral partners.
Commbank: 1800 222 387
NAB: 1300 308 175
Westpac: 1800 063 509
ANZ: 1800 943 438
JustFund
Just Fund provides financial support to families going through separation, including funding Co-Parenting Companion services. This is an ideal solution for parents who know they’ll have financial capacity after their settlement is finalised, but whose capital is tied up in assets or, for whatever reason, isn’t accessible right now. Just Fund's model is a standard interest-bearing loan, not a percentage payout like litigation funders. The loan amount is not tied to the size of your final settlement, and there are no repayments until your financial settlement is finalised. You can explore more about their funding options here.
Legal and Professional Support
Legal Aid Western Australia
Call 1300 650 579 for information on free or low-cost legal services to the community.
Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP)
An online directory of supportive, non-adversarial lawyers, mental health professionals and financial experts. Collaborative Practice teams solve disputes, such as separations with dignity and without the stress of going through the courts system.
Co-Parenting Companion
Who are we?
We’re a small but mighty team headed by Tiffany Rochester, Clinical Psychologist and Co-parenting Coach. With over 20-years experience in child development and the Family Court system, Tiffany shares evidence-based strategies with parents who want to be the best for their children as they make their way through some of their hardest days.
Some of the ways we can help in these early stages:
Our free guide walks you through the important first steps to take at the point of separation.
Our free Six Steps course helps you put simple boundaries in place to protect your peace.
Our Parenting Plan course when you’re ready to get your head around how to protectively manage the shared care arrangements for your kids.
Our Co-Parenting Intensive Reset. A 5-week course connecting co-parents to a community of heartfelt parents through live coaching calls and modules aimed to improve boundaries, enhance clear communication and get your peace and time back.
Co-Parenting Companion respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this land. They never gave up sovereignty and remain strong in their connection to place and culture.
Co-Parenting Companion provides a safe and affirming space for people of all cultures, genders, sexualities and neurotypes.
24 Augusta Street
WILLETTON WA 6155
+61 8 9374 2260
All rights reserved® Co-Parenting Companion 2022
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