You Don’t Have to do This on Your Own
Many of our clients work with counsellors, doctors, peer groups and support organisations alongside any legal process. Getting the right emotional and practical support can be just as important as getting legal advice.
The services below are independent from Donaldson Law. We do not control their websites, waiting lists or eligibility rules. They are included because they have recognised experience in supporting people affected by abuse, institutional harm, sexual violence and Defence related issues.
If you or someone you support is in immediate danger call 000. If you need urgent emotional support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Legal Information, Redress And Systemic Advocacy
knowmore
knowmore is an independent national legal service that provides free and confidential legal advice, financial counselling and social work support to victim survivors of childhood abuse including people considering or using the National Redress Scheme and members of the Stolen Generations.
National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It offers eligible survivors a redress payment, access to counselling and an apology where institutions have joined the Scheme.
Visit the National Redress Scheme website
National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
The National Centre is a national hub for research, education and policy work on child sexual abuse. It aims to increase understanding of the impacts of child sexual abuse, reduce stigma and improve responses through survivor informed research and reform.
Visit the National Centre website
Historical Abuse Network
The Historical Abuse Network, supported by Micah Projects, is a Queensland based network of people who experienced abuse in institutions, foster care and detention. It focuses on peer connection, advocacy and systemic change for people who were in state care.
Visit the Historical Abuse Network page
Micah Projects – Lotus Support Services
Lotus Support Services, part of Micah Projects, provides support for adults living with the lifelong impacts of institutional childhood abuse in Queensland. Lotus offers a safe place to connect with others, access counselling, build resilience and seek justice.
Child Sexual Abuse, Trauma And Counselling Support
Bravehearts
Bravehearts provides counselling and support for children and families affected by child sexual abuse as well as a national information and support line and child protection education programs.
Blue Knot Foundation
Blue Knot Foundation supports adults who have experienced complex trauma including repeated childhood abuse, violence or neglect. They offer a specialist helpline, redress support, information for survivors and resources for family members and professionals.
Visit the Blue Knot Foundation website
Full Stop Australia
Full Stop Australia is a national service for people impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence. They provide free trauma specialist counselling by phone, online and in person plus information about safety, recovery and local services.
Visit the Full Stop Australia website
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national 24/7 counselling, information and support service for people experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence as well as for workers and supporters. Support is available by phone, text, online chat and video.
Sport, Integrity And Restorative Programs
ASC Restorative Program
The Australian Sports Commission Restorative Program recognises and responds to former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship athletes who experienced harm because of inappropriate practices or abuse during their time at the AIS. The program offers acknowledgment and a structured process for support and financial payments.
Visit the ASC Restorative Program page
Sport Integrity Australia
Sport Integrity Australia is the national agency that handles integrity issues in sport including complaints about child safeguarding, abuse and discrimination under national sporting policies. It provides reporting pathways, guidance and education for athletes, parents and sporting organisations.
Survivor Led Organisations And Child Safety Advocacy
SAMSN – Survivors & Mates Support Network
SAMSN is a survivor led organisation that supports male survivors of child sexual abuse and their supporters. It offers free support groups, workshops, a peer support line and resources for men, families and health providers.
Bravehearts (Advocacy And Education)
Alongside counselling Bravehearts provides child safety education, training and advocacy to help prevent child sexual abuse and improve child protection systems.
The Grace Tame Foundation
The Grace Tame Foundation is a national not for profit organisation that works to prevent child sexual abuse by driving cultural and structural change through advocacy, education and survivor led reform.
Visit The Grace Tame Foundation website
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation develops child safety education for children, young people, parents and educators and runs national awareness initiatives such as Day for Daniel to help prevent abuse and support young victims of crime.
Defence, Veterans & Families
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Open Arms provides free and confidential counselling, group programs and online resources for veterans, current ADF members and their families who are experiencing service related mental health and wellbeing issues. Support is available nationally.
RSL Australia
RSL Australia and its state branches provide a wide range of practical services for current and former ADF members and their families including DVA advocacy, financial or housing assistance and opportunities to connect with the veteran community.
Visit the RSL Australia website
Soldier On Australia
Soldier On is a national charity that supports current and former ADF members and their families through free programs covering mental health support, employment and education services and social connection activities to help people build meaningful civilian lives after service.
Mates4Mates
Mates4Mates is a veteran charity that supports current and ex serving Defence members and their families who have been impacted by service. It offers mental health and physical rehabilitation services, social connection activities and skills programs to help veterans and families reconnect and recover.
A Note About These Services
Each organisation above has its own intake process, eligibility rules and boundaries. Listing them here does not mean that Donaldson Law endorses every position they take or that they will always be the right fit for you.
If you are thinking about starting a legal process you can use these services alongside our work together or independently if you are not yet ready to speak with a lawyer.
Make a Confidential Enquiry
It takes courage to take the first step. Complete the request form and we’ll reach out or book an initial call with our trauma-informed team below.