Latest Advice
For the latest advice about COVID-19 in Tasmania visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
For the latest advice about COVID-19 in Australia visit www.health.gov.au/
Advice in translated languages is available at www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on all Tasmanians. While it is critical to stay at home and save lives, for many Tasmanians, particularly women and their children, home is not a safe place.
Public health measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, isolation and quarantine, means families may be at home with someone who chooses to use violence.
Isolation, financial insecurity, stress, concern, family disruptions, changes to roles and routines may compound or increase the risk, severity and frequency of violence. However, they are not the cause of family and sexual violence.
COVID-19 does not cause, justify or excuse violent and abusive behaviour. Everyone deserves to live free from fear and violence.
The person engaging in family and sexual violence is responsible for their abusive and violent behaviour.
Seeking help
In an emergency, always call 000.
Specialist services remain open and available to provide information, support and help to those impacted by family and sexual violence.
Visit the Service Directory page for a list of family and sexual violence support services.
Additional Resources and Information:
Help Is Here campaign – www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport
Tips on how to stay safe online during the COVID-19 pandemic - www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/covid-19
Our Watch: Promoting gender equality as you respond to the coronavirus pandemic
Our Watch: Promoting gender equality in sport as you respond to the coronavirus pandemic
In March 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tasmanian Government announced specific family violence funding. This included funding specifically allocated to deliver Flexible Support Packages to enhance the safety and wellbeing of people affected by family violence.
Flexible Support Packages are designed to contribute to a holistic response to people experiencing family violence by providing practical supports to enhance safety and wellbeing when leaving an abusive relationship.
Family violence risk assessment and safety planning are key components of the program, to assist in addressing a victim-survivor’s risk and safety needs.
The Program is being delivered through Safe at Home, the Tasmanian Government’s Integrated Criminal Justice Response to Family Violence.
An application form is available by contacting the Safe at Home Coordination Unit at safeathome@justice.tas.gov.au
Further information is available at https://www.safeathome.tas.gov.au/services/financial-support-for-victims/flexible-support-packages