Reporting abuse
In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance.
Domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence happens when one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to control the other person.
Phone Triple Zero (000) if:
- a crime is happening now
- a life is threatened.
When there is no immediate emergency, you can report domestic and family violence to police by phoning Policelink:
- Policelink (non-urgent police assistance): phone 131 444
You can read more about:
- reporting domestic and family violence to police
- where to get support
- the law and domestic and family violence
- domestic violence orders.
Child abuse and neglect
Phone Triple Zero (000) if you believe a child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation.
If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, contact:
- a Regional Intake Service (Monday to Friday, 9am and 5pm)
-
the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 or 3235 9999 (24 hours a day).
Child sexual abuse
If you have reason to suspect a child is experiencing, or is at risk of, sexual abuse, contact:
- Child Safety Services on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135 or 3235 9999 (24 hours a day)
- your local police station about criminal matters related to child sexual abuse
- ChildWise National Child Abuse Prevention Helpline on 1800 99 10 99
- the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian for emergency contacts and information to help people affected by abuse.
The Sexual Assault Disclosure Scheme provides survivors of child sexual assault with a non-threatening and anonymous way to officially register their experience with authorities.
Read more about child sexual abuse and how to report it:
Elder abuse
Elder abuse is any act within a relationship of trust that harms an older person. It can be physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse or neglect.
You can contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm) to report elder abuse. They provide information, support and referrals for anyone experiencing abuse or who has witnessed/suspects the abuse of an older person.
Legal support is available for seniors experiencing elder abuse, as well as other support services.
Sexual abuse and assault
If you’ve just been sexually assaulted or are in immediate danger:
- get to a safe place
- phone Triple Zero (000)
Once you are out of immediate danger, you can contact the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 for counselling and referral.
Read more about reporting sexual abuse and assault to police.
Bullying
Workplace bullying
Understand what workplace harassment is and how to prevent or resolve it.
School bullying
Being bullied at school is a common experience for young people.
Find out what support is available if you or someone you know is being bullied.
Cyber bullying
Cyber bullying can happen through mobile phone texts, emails, phone calls or social networking sites like Facebook.
It can include:
- abusive messages
- imitating others online
- excluding others online
- tagging others inappropriately—for example in online photos.
For more information on cyber safety and bullying, you can:
- contact Cybersmart on 1800 880 176
- visit the Reach Out website
- watch the Let’s fight it Together video.
To report bullying, contact:
- Policelink on 131 444
- Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
- Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419.
For support and advice, contact:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800
