Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic violence is when one person in a relationship engages in violent, threatening or controlling behaviour that makes their current or former intimate partner feel scared or unsafe. It can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, social, verbal and spiritual abuse.

Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/domestic-violence-and-abusive-relationships 

Family violence refers to violence between family members, which can include violence between current or former intimate partners, as well as violence between a parent and their child, between siblings or other family members.

Source: https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/resources/fdsv-summary 

In situations where domestic and family violence is involved, financial donations allow the charity that's placed the request to work directly with the recipient to purchase a brand-new item or service that matches their need. This process maximises the privacy, safety, dignity and independence of the recipient. GIVIT's Domestic and Family Violence Appeal is an affective, safe and quick way to help someone impacted by abuse. 

You also have the option to donate items, services or volunteer your time against some requests in the list above. 

Hundreds of domestic violence charities, women's refuge shelters and other support organisations from around Australia are registered with GIVIT. This means they can request essential items and services on behalf of the people and families they're supporting. It also means that your generosity is channelled into real, practical, effective assistance that not only provides something that a person or family impacted by DFV desperately needs, but it helps that person or family to feel seen, heard and cared for. 

If your life is in danger, contact emergency services on 000 immediately.

For 24/7 domestic violence counselling and support, call the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). 1800 RESPECT is also contactable via text, online chat or video call.

To receive donated items or services from GIVIT, you must first connect with an organisation registered with GIVIT who can place requests on your behalf. Click here to search for organisations near you.

GIVIT supports the vital and life-saving work of over 1,400 domestic violence services, including women’s shelters (or refuges). Toiletries, clothing, fuel vouchers, and furniture are some of the women’s shelter donations GIVIT provides to ensure shelters can offer a safe and comfortable place of recovery for women and children.

Women's shelters or refuges can request essential goods needed to give the mother and child(ren) the best chance of rebuilding their lives.

A woman and her children escaping a violent partner typically leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs. To provide immediate relief, here are some women’s shelter donations that are needed:

• Clothing voucher
• Grocery voucher
• Fuel voucher
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Bedding
• A voucher to purchase any needed medication
• Kitchen goods
• Digital devices

Immediate relief is not the only type of donation families need to rebuild after experiencing domestic violence. Women’s refuge donations can also include goods that help furnish a new home and support a fresh start for the family, such as:

• Couch
• Beds
• Dining table
• Art supplies for kids
• Children’s toys
• Security camera

You can provide any quality women’s shelter donation through GIVIT! Whether you have goods to give or want to fund it through the GIVIT, you have the power to help women and children escaping violence rebuild a safe and joyful home.

When you donate through GIVIT, you can choose the way to give that suits you best.

• To donate goods to a women's shelter, search our ‘What’s Needed’ list using the Item category filter. You can choose a story from a charity in your area that matches what you want to give. 
• Donate money to our Domestic and Family Violence Appeal - 100% of publicly donated funds received by GIVIT will be used to purchase essential goods and services for people affected by DFV.
• If you cannot find a request that matches your donation, submit our form to list your item in the GIVIT online warehouse. Organisations can view your donation and reserve it when needed
• Fundraise - Setting up a personalised fundraising page through our platform is a quick and easy process for individuals and companies. You can host an activity of your choice, from awareness walks to bake sales. Your friends, family, employees or community can channel generosity where it is needed the most.
• Donate your time - If you’re short on funds, you can pledge your time to the cause either in person or online to help a domestic violence charity.

Through GIVIT, you can find donations needed by a women’s shelter or domestic violence service near you. Follow the steps below to find a women’s refuge near you to support:

1. Visit our What’s Needed list for domestic violence charities
2. Use the Location filter to select an area near you
3. Choose to fund an item that fits your budget, or if you have quality physical goods at home, you can give it

100% of any public donation received by GIVIT goes to purchasing the donations needed. If you’re looking to donate physical goods and are unsure how, learn how to donate physical goods here.

Yes, you can donate furniture to a domestic violence shelter. Many shelters are helping people start fresh and are always on the lookout for items like beds, chairs, and tables.

Before donating, check our What’s Needed list  and see what items they need. Make sure the furniture is in good condition, clean, and safe to use. Your furniture donation to a women's shelter can provide comfort and support to individuals and families who are rebuilding their lives while recoverying from violent trauma.

Yes! Access to a safe and reliable mobile phone can be critical for people experiencing domestic and family violence. You can donate an old phone to a family escaping violence, giving someone a lifeline to safety and support. For many people fleeing domestic and family violence, access to a smartphone or digital device can be life-changing - but it’s often out of reach. These devices are more than just tools for communication; they’re vital for finding safety, accessing support services, staying informed, and reconnecting with loved ones.

People fleeing violence often face financial hardship, unstable housing, or may be in temporary accommodation such as shelters, motels, or crisis housing. They may have left everything behind, including their phone or laptop, for their own safety.

Technology is increasingly used by perpetrators as a tool of control. Mobile phones, accounts and apps can be used to monitor messages, track location and limit communication. Research shows that technology facilitated abuse is common, with perpetrators using devices and digital tools to harass, track and control victim survivors. A donated mobile that is not linked to the perpetrator can help reduce these risks.

You can help someone start over, give them the ability to stay connected, informed, and safe by donating a mobile, laptop or tablet.

Here is a list of mobile phones or laptops needed by people escaping domestic and family violence. Take action by funding a new device or donating your quality pre-loved device to support people escaping violence.

We ensure all donations are safe, appropriate and genuinely helpful. To protect the dignity, safety and wellbeing of people experiencing domestic and family violence, there are some items that cannot be donated through the platform.

• Items that are unsafe, illegal or hazardous, such as alcohol, drugs or recalled products, are not accepted.
• Medications of any kind, including prescription and over the counter medicines, cannot be donated.
• Perishable food items cannot be provided, as they are difficult to store and distribute safely. [givit.org.au]
• Items that require legal transfer or registration, such as vehicles or accommodation in private homes, are not suitable.
• Goods that are used, opened or not in good condition should not be donated.

As a simple guide, if you would not feel comfortable giving the item to a friend, don't donate it. GIVIT focuses on quality, practical items that meet real needs and support people in a respectful and meaningful way.