Find Help for Domestic Violence in Adelaide
30 May 2025
Explore our guide to some of the key services offering domestic violence counselling and support in Adelaide.
Family and domestic violence is an issue across Australia, impacting people of all genders, sexualities, and backgrounds. LGBTIQA+ communities in Adelaide are no exception. Some research shows that LGBTIQA+ people may experience domestic and family violence at higher rates than the general population.
If you're seeking support for family and domestic violence in Adelaide, it's important to know what services are available and which ones are safe and inclusive for you.
Family and Domestic Violence Services for LGBTIQA+ People:
Thorne Harbour Health:
Thorne Harbour Health’s Family Violence Service in Adelaide is one of the only dedicated LGBTIQA+ domestic and family violence programs in Australia.
Best known for its work in Melbourne, Thorne Harbour now offers support in Adelaide too, providing therapeutic case management tailored for LGBTIQA+ people.
This service is available to anyone identifying as LGBTIQA+ who is:
- Experiencing abuse or control in a relationship
- Feeling unsafe at home or with family
- Have experienced family and/or domestic violence within the last 2 years
You can access help even if you’re unsure whether what you’re going through “counts” as family and/or domestic violence. The service is free, confidential, and delivered by practitioners who understand queer lives.
SHINE SA:
With Respect is SHINE SA’s specialist domestic and sexual violence counselling program for LGBTIQA+ people. Their service is run by queer-identifying counsellors and is tailored to support people who’ve experienced violence in their relationships. With Respect is a valuable Adelaide-based option if you want a queer-affirming space to talk through your experience.
Rainbow, Sexual, Domestic and Violence Helpline:
This free, national phone service is staffed entirely by LGBTIQA+ peer support workers—meaning the person you speak to understands what it means to be queer and how that shapes your experience.
They offer support, referrals, and someone to talk to if you’re:
- Unsure whether something in your relationship is okay
- Navigating a violent or coercive situation
- Supporting a queer friend or loved one
This service is available to people living in Adelaide and across Australia.
Say It Out Loud:
Say It Out Loud is a national website supporting LGBTIQA+ people impacted by sexual, domestic, and family violence. It’s the first digital resource of its kind designed specifically for our communities.
It offers a safe, inclusive space to understand healthy relationships, recognise abuse, and seek support.
What it offers:
- Practical tools for recognising and responding to violence
- Resources for safety planning and support seeking
- LGBTIQA+ affirming content for both individuals and professionals
- State-specific service directories, including for South Australia
- Personal stories to break stigma and build connection
Other Family and Domestic Violence Services in Adelaide:
While not specific to LGBTIQA+ people, these services are available to anyone experiencing family violence in South Australia.
Domestic Violence Crisis Line:
Available 24/7 on 1800 800 098, this helpline supports women and their children experiencing domestic violence, and Aboriginal people who are experiencing domestic and/or family violence. They offer crisis counselling, safety planning, access to short-term accommodation, and referrals to specialist domestic violence services.
Call 1800 003 308 any time, day or night. This service helps people facing homelessness across South Australia, including those whose housing has been affected by family violence.
Provides generalist counselling and support for relationship issues, family breakdown, and family violence. While not LGBTIQA+-specific, they are experienced in supporting a wide range of clients.
A 24/7 national support service (1800 737 732) offering crisis support, safety planning, counselling, and referrals for anyone impacted by domestic or sexual violence.
This service supports men who are affected by or using violence. It’s a space to get support, talk about emotions, and develop healthier ways of engaging in relationships. Available on 1300 78 99 78.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence in Adelaide, there is help available—whether you identify as LGBTIQA+ or not. Services like Thorne Harbour Health offer specialised, affirming support for queer communities and broader services are also there to ensure everyone can access safety and care.