1800RESPECT is the national service that provides counselling, information and support to people affected by domestic, family and sexual violence.
It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 000 now.
When you text "HELLO" to 1800RESPECT on 0458 737 732, you will receive a series of automatic responses with safety information and important notes before connecting with a counsellor.
Any personal information you share with the service is confidential.
When you contact the service via text, you will need to:
Before you connect with a counsellor, you have the option to conduct a quick device safety check.
For more information, read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
You can text STOP or X to end the conversation at any time. If you don't reply to a text within 6 minutes, the conversation will end. This helps with your privacy and helps keep you safe.
Please note: When you contact 1800RESPECT via text message the service will retain your phone number. This is kept confidential.
If you prefer, you can contact 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732 or using online chat (www.1800respect.org.au).
When you text 1800RESPECT, you will have the option to conduct a device safety check before you connect with a counsellor. Below are some other tips you may want to check to protect your device safety and privacy.
Device Safety Checklist:
Learn more about keeping your devices safe:
To help keep you safe, make sure you delete the texts on your device after the conversation with the counsellor finishes. Please be aware some devices will temporarily back up deleted messages even after you have deleted them. You may need to check whether these messages have been permanently removed from your device.
Please note:Unlike online chat, your text message history will remain on your device unless you delete the messages. 1800RESPECT cannot delete text conversations on your mobile device.
Please be aware that some device's text messages can be duplicated/mirrored to a second device such as a laptop or another phone, which someone else may be able to access.
We recommend protecting your safety and privacy as much as possible by switching off duplication/mirroring capabilities on your device. You can read more on texting and messaging best practices to help keep you safe here: Using your device safely | eSafety Commissioner: https://esafety.gov.au/women/using-your-device-safely.
If you are concerned your phone or device is being monitored, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for help.
Please be aware that cloud services associated with your mobile device may backup your text messages on other devices. We recommend deleting your text message history from all devices after your conversation ends.
When you text 1800RESPECT the number may appear on your phone bill.
Please check with your network provider if you have concerns.
For more information about texting 1800RESPECT, visit our frequently asked questions page: https://1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/telephone-and-online-counselling.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic, family or sexual violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732,chat online via our website: https://1800respect.org.au/ or text 0458 737 732.