Domestic, family and sexual violence support
We understand that domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) can affect many areas of life, including access to essential services like water, financial stability and the ability to pay bills. If you're experiencing or recovering from DFSV, we’re here to help.
What is Domestic Family and Sexual Violence?
Domestic, family and sexual violence includes a variety of abuses, such as physical, emotional, financial, psychological, verbal, sexual abuse, and coercive control. It can be experienced by anyone, regardless of gender, culture or background. It often involves a pattern of behaviour used to control and cause fear and/or harm.
If this sounds like your situation, or someone you know, help is available via the recommended support services below.
To learn more about what domestic, family and sexual violence looks like, visit Women's Safety Services.
Our commitment
We are committed to:
- Supporting customers experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence with compassion and flexibility
- Training our teams to respond safely and respectfully
- Protecting your privacy and managing your information securely
- Continuously improving how we support customers at risk
We follow the guidance of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia and our internal policy.
How we support customers experiencing DFSV
We are committed to providing a safe and respectful experience when you contact us. If you tell us that you're experiencing DFSV, we will:
- Listen without judgment and offer support
- Make sure your safety and privacy are considered when managing your account
- Provide flexible account payment options and financial support
- Connect you with specialist services if you need extra support
Prefer a brochure you can keep or share? View our DFSV support brochure.
Help managing your debt
We understand that financial control and hardship are common experiences for people affected by DFSV. To help you we can offer:
- Payment extensions
- Flexible payment plans
- Support through our Payment assistance program
- Help accessing emergency financial assistance
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty because of an abusive relationship, we’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Call us on 1300 SA Water (1300 729 283)
There are more ways we can help.
Read our General support brochure to see all the services we offer if you need some extra help.
Accessing support services in South Australia
If you are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, or you are worried about your own behaviour, there are local and national services that can help. The following services can offer specialist support, guidance and safety planning. You can contact them directly or we can refer you to one of these services for assistance.
If you consider yourself to be in immediate danger please call 000
More specialist support services are also listed in our Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Policy.
1800RESPECT
Free, confidential 24/7 counselling, information and support for people experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence. Trained counsellors are available by phone or online chat.
Women's Safety Services SA
Offers specialist domestic and family violence support including crisis response, case management, counselling and safe housing for women and their children.
Call (08) 8152 9200 for general enquiries
Visit womenssafetyservices.com.au
Mensline
A 24/7 confidential telephone and online counselling service supporting men dealing with relationship challenges, anger management, family conflict, or concerns about using or experiencing violence. and the use or experience of violence.
SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line
Provides 24/7 crisis counselling, support and referral to safe accommodation for people at risk of or escaping domestic violence in South Australia.
Call 1800 800 098
First Nations Healing
Support individuals and families at high risk of experiencing or perpetrating violence. Works with families on their journey of healing, offering culturally grounded support programs.
Call (08) 8367 6474
QLife
Free, anonymous LGBTI peer support and referral service. Offers phone and webchat counselling for LGBTI people, families and friends, available every day from 3pm to midnight.
Get in touch
If you'd like to speak to us or ask for support:
Call us on 1300 SA Water (1300 729 283)
If it’s safer, you can ask a support worker or trusted contact to speak with us on your behalf .
Acknowledgement of Domestic, family and sexual violence
We acknowledge the traumatic and often life-long impacts domestic, family and sexual violence can have on all who experience it, and we pay our respects to those who did not survive it. We recognise the ongoing strength, courage and resilience of victim-survivors and express gratitude to those services who work tirelessly in and with communities to foster a safer future for us all.