Full Stop Australia Ltd

About Full Stop Australia – Domestic Violence Support & Sexual Assault Services

Full Stop Australia is one of Australia’s leading domestic violence charities providing free, confidential trauma-specialist counselling and advocacy for victim-survivors of sexual, domestic and family violence. What began in 1985 as the NSW Rape Crisis Centre has evolved into a nationally recognised service reaching communities across every state and territory.

As an ACNC-registered charity with DGR endorsement, Full Stop Australia operates multiple 24/7 crisis helplines, delivers over 15,000 trauma-specialist counselling sessions annually, and has supported more than 50,000 Australians on their journey to safety and recovery.

24/7 Crisis Support Services

Full Stop Australia delivers free confidential support available around the clock via telephone, online webchat, and face-to-face counselling:

• NSW Sexual Violence Helpline (1800 424 017) – Specialist trauma counselling for anyone in NSW impacted by sexual violence, with information on reporting options, medical assistance, and legal pathways. Available 24/7 with multilingual support.
• 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) – National 24-hour counselling for people affected by sexual, domestic or family violence anywhere in Australia. No referral needed, completely confidential.
• Rainbow Violence and Abuse Support Service (1800 497 212) – Specialist LGBTIQA+ domestic violence support with counsellors who understand the unique challenges facing rainbow communities, including family rejection, outing threats, and discrimination.
• National Redress Support Service (1800 737 377) – Free counselling for adult survivors of institutional child sexual abuse navigating the National Redress Scheme, including application support and trauma processing.
• Healing and Recovery for Survivors (HeRS) Program – Medium to long-term face-to-face counselling delivered through Women’s Health Centres across NSW, offering ongoing therapeutic support beyond crisis intervention.

All clinical staff are tertiary qualified trauma specialists including registered psychologists, clinical social workers, and accredited counsellors trained in trauma-informed, survivor-centred care.

Domestic Violence Counselling & Legal Advocacy

Beyond crisis response, Full Stop Australia provides comprehensive domestic violence support including:

• Safety Planning – Personalised risk assessment and safety strategies for people experiencing domestic violence, including tech safety, financial planning, and emergency exit plans
• Legal Advocacy – Information and support navigating Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), Family Court proceedings, and victim compensation claims
• Court Support – Accompaniment to court hearings, explanation of legal processes, and connection to specialist domestic violence lawyers
• Case Management – Coordinated support linking survivors with housing services, financial assistance, Centrelink advocacy, and community resources

Who Full Stop Australia Supports

The organisation provides inclusive, accessible services for all victim-survivors regardless of gender, age, sexuality, cultural background, or location. Full Stop Australia actively supports:

• Women and children experiencing domestic and family violence
• LGBTIQA+ communities facing intimate partner violence, family rejection, or hate crimes
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with culturally informed, trauma-aware support
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with interpreter services and culturally sensitive counselling
• Men and boys experiencing sexual assault or family violence
• People with disabilities experiencing violence, abuse, or exploitation
• Rural and remote communities through telephone and online services
• Supporters, family members, and friends affected by someone else’s trauma

Workplace Training & Community Education

Full Stop Australia delivers evidence-based training programs helping workplaces, schools, and community organisations recognise and respond to domestic and sexual violence:

• Understanding and Responding to Complex Trauma – Professional development for counsellors, social workers, nurses, and frontline staff working with trauma survivors
• Bystander Intervention Training – Practical strategies for safely intervening when witnessing harassment, violence, or abuse in workplaces and public spaces
• Vicarious Trauma Support – Award-winning programs helping professionals manage secondary trauma exposure and maintain wellbeing while supporting survivors
• Domestic Violence Workplace Response – Training managers and HR teams to recognise signs of domestic violence affecting employees and provide appropriate support

In 2022-23 alone, Full Stop Australia conducted 66 community education events across Australia, reaching thousands of professionals and community members.

Research, Advocacy & Systemic Change

Full Stop Australia contributes to policy reform and advocacy that improves responses to sexual and domestic violence across Australia:

• Government Submissions – Expert input on domestic violence legislation, family law reform, and victim support funding
• Incubator Program – Supporting emerging domestic violence services led by and for marginalised communities
• Best Practice Guidelines – Publishing the nationally recognised Best Practice Manual for Specialist Trauma Counselling, setting standards for trauma-informed care across the sector
• Research Partnerships – Collaborating with universities and government to evaluate service effectiveness and identify gaps in support

Real Impact, Real Numbers

During 2022-2023, Full Stop Australia demonstrated measurable impact across Australia:

• 3,481 occasions of service delivered nationally
• 15,000+ trauma-specialist counselling sessions completed annually
• 20% increase in service delivery year-on-year, responding to growing demand
• 50,000+ people supported since establishment
• 66 community education events delivered across all states and territories
• 24/7 availability with average wait times under 5 minutes for crisis calls

Leadership & Expertise

Led by CEO Karen Bevan, who brings over 30 years’ experience in not-for-profit leadership, government relations, and social research, Full Stop Australia combines evidence-based practice with survivor-centred, trauma-informed approaches. The organisation’s clinical team includes registered psychologists, social workers, and specialist trauma counsellors with extensive experience in sexual assault, domestic violence, and complex trauma recovery.

Contact Full Stop Australia

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence:

• Call 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) – 24/7 national crisis line
• Visit fullstop.org.au/get-help for webchat and resources
• In immediate danger? Call 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)

All Full Stop Australia services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. No referral required. Interpreter services available.

Support This Work

Full Stop Australia relies on philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, and individual donations to deliver free trauma counselling services across Australia. Every donation directly funds crisis counselling sessions, training programs, and advocacy for systemic change.

Donate to Full Stop Australia to support victim-survivors in their journey to safety, healing, and recovery.

As a DGR-endorsed charity, donations over $2 are tax-deductible.