NRMA Insurance's $2 million donation has helped Full Stop Foundation, a fundraising arm of Rape & Domestic Violence Services in Australia, launch a free and confidential 24/7 telephone counselling line and online counselling service for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
The foundation set up the national Domestic Violence Impact Line telephone and online counselling service after finding a 36% increase in people reaching out for online counselling during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The service helps people experiencing domestic and family violence access trauma specialist counsellors who can provide:
“Domestic and family violence is not always physical or sexual but can also include verbal, psychological, financial, and spiritual abuse. Helping people safely and discreetly access domestic violence support services is critical – particularly when their access to family and friends and other support networks may have been significantly impacted,” said Full Stop Foundation spokesperson Helen Campbell.
“The funding we received from NRMA Insurance has allowed us to create Domestic Violence Impact Line, a new telephone and online counselling service to ensure people have access to professional, highly experienced trauma specialist counsellors who can guide them through the psychological and practical complexities of experiencing domestic and family violence.”
The NRMA Insurance funding is part of the company's ongoing work supporting initiatives that help make communities safer, more connected, and resilient.
NRMA Insurance acting group executive direct insurance Australia Amanda Whiting said COVID-19 emphasised the need for service focusing on people experiencing domestic violence as the lockdown forced many Australians to spend more time at home.
“Unfortunately for some, the home hasn't been a safe environment,” Whiting said. “The new Domestic Violence Impact Line from Full Stop Foundation provides people with greater options to access support and counselling, which is critical in ensuring those seeking help are able to do so in a way that’s safe and convenient for them.”
