Counselling & Support Programs

Counselling and Intervention Responses for Women

Children's Counselling

Sinclair House

Gold Coast Integrated Response to Domestic Violence

Counselling and Intervention Responses for Women

Telephone counselling and crisis intervention

Women experiencing domestic violence are usually very isolated, unsafe and fearful. They can call the telephone crisis line to speak to someone who understands the impact of living in an abusive situation and who will provide information, support, assistance with safety planning and referral to safe accommodation if required. It is often the first point of contact for women to gain the necessary information and support to make choices that enhance their own and their children's safety.

Individual counselling for women by appointment

Counselling provides a time and space to talk and explore experiences in safety and can play an important role in a woman's journey towards healing from the impact of domestic and family violence. It is an opportunity to get information and develop ideas that will increase safety and wellbeing. When women are able to access support and information that is relevant to their own experience of abuse they are often able to transform their lives. Taking the steps to talk to someone about domestic violence and abuse is a courageous decision that is often difficult to make. If you are a woman seeking counselling it does not mean there is something wrong with you and qualified counselors will not force you to make decisions you are uncomfortable with and women who are still living in abusive relationships can request counselling. Counselors can provide referrals to a range of specific services and assist with safety planning. Counselling is free of cost and appointments are usually for one hour but can sometimes last longer depending on individual circumstances and situations.

Therapeutic Support Group

Therapeutic groups for women to address the impact of domestic and family violence are provided throughout the year. The aim of the groups is to:

• Provide a safe venue to talk about their experiences
• Gain strength and understand through shared experiences
• Break down isolation
• Provide education and information on domestic and family violence
• Work toward therapeutic change in a support, safe environment

Domestic & Family Violence Court Assistance Programme

Women who are experiencing domestic and family violence have a right to seek legal protection for themselves and their children. Going to court can be a stressful and difficult experience. The Court Assistance Programme operates from an office located in Southport Magistrates Court and staff are not able to provide legal advice but they can provide:

• Information about Court procedures
• Assistance to make an application to the court for a new order or to vary or revoke the conditions on an existing order
• Pre court visit and orientation
• Support in the safe waiting room and in the court room
• Post court debriefing and information
• Referral to the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast
• Referral to other agencies
• Safety Planning

All services offered are free of charge.

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CHILDREN'S COUNSELLING

In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are also at high risk of suffering physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse. Whether or not they are directly abused, children who witness domestic violence suffer significant emotional and psychological trauma said to be similar to that experienced by victims of child abuse.

Counselling can assist children and young people to deal with the damaging effects of abuse. Issues covered in counselling include:

• Understanding Domestic Violence
• Safety Planning
• Understanding feelings and how to express them appropriately
• Learning violence is an adult problem - it is not a child's fault or responsibility.
• Strengthening Mother - Child relationships
• Learning violence is unacceptable behaviour
• Presentation of alternatives to violence
• Building children's self esteem

Counselling is provided free of charge to children and young people aged 4years - 12 years. A wide variety of creative techniques are used to facilitate children's healing including the extensive use of art materials, sand-tray work, play, role-play, and narrative therapy.

Sinclair House

A bequest was received from the estate of the late Jack and Patricia Sinclair for the specific purpose of establishing crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and sexual violence.

This generous bequest has assisted in filling a gap in crisis accommodation on the Gold Coast. The house has two separate self contained units however Sinclair House receives no specific funding for operating costs and is reliant on public donations and support.