What domestic and family violence survivors need most is a friend who will listen, believe them, and support them.

When it comes to breaking the cycle of domestic and family violence, small acts of support make a powerful difference.

Simply listening and believing a victim’s story, and offering practical help, could be the lifeline that helps someone break free, even saving their life.

Lilly McKeich is a National Domestic and Family Violence Specialist with the Salvation Army, which helps more than 10,000 people a year in situations of violence.

Lilly says that what victims need most, is to be heard.

“The most powerful thing you can do is definitely listen and believe someone,” she says. “[Because] situations of abuse are so often characterised by silencing and by isolation.”

It’s also vital to respect a victim’s choices, rather than ‘taking charge’.

“Don’t try to rescue someone [or] try to engage the [perpetrator],” says Lilly. “Respect that someone is an expert in their own situation…don’t interrogate them or tell them to leave or anything like that. You can support someone to access a service. Small acts like that can be a real game changer.”

Halting Disrespect Before it Becomes Violent

Working to bring change from another angle is Dave Kramer, ambassador for Small Steps for Hannah. Dave founded the HALT Program, which teaches high-school students about respectful relationships. He’s on a mission to stop disrespect in its tracks.

“Our prevention programs are about the context around violence,” Dave says.

“[We teach people that] we can actually show up as friends, family members, colleagues or even peers in school. [We can] show up at that point of disrespect, and prevent it from getting to the point of abuse.”

The Power of an Act of Kindness

Stacy Jane is a domestic abuse survivor. She fled her partner in the UK, and was brutally attacked when trying to retrieve personal belongings from her home.

She later established Escabags, an Australian charity that provides free escape bags for abuse victims.

“We know that the most lethal time is when a victim is trying to escape, because the perpetrator knows that they’ve lost all control,” Stacy explains. “[Escabags provides] that practical solution… so that they don’t have to go back into the family home.”

What finally helped Stacy to leave her partner, was the kindness of friends who were willing to listen and support.

“Those people would have been well within their right to say, ‘it’s none of our business’… however [they didn’t]. My story is about the power of a random act of kindness… and the ripple effect that that can then go on to have.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, please call 1800 RESPECT, or Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

Feature image: Canva

When the world slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashton Wood’s life took a dramatic turn.

If you or someone you know have experienced domestic abuse or violence help is available on 1800 RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

Having spent years in corporate IT, Ashton was used to travelling frequently between Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney, and even Singapore. 

But when lockdowns began, he found himself with time—and purpose—he never expected.

“I decided I’d just clean up the house and take the things up the road to the local charity shop,” Ashton said. 

“We cleaned up the house, loaded up the car and I got lazy. I said, I can’t be bothered driving five minutes up the road today, I’ll do that in the morning.”

That evening, Queensland went into lockdown.

With a car full of donations and nowhere to take them, Ashton made a phone call that would change his life—and the lives of thousands of others.

One call that sparked a movement

Ashton reached out to Janine, a retired police senior sergeant he knew had worked in domestic violence. 

“I’ve got a car fully loaded, ready to go, but everything’s in lockdown. Where do I take it?” he asked. Her response surprised him.

“She said, ‘Ashton, what I need right now are mobile phones.’”

Ashton didn’t hesitate. “I’ve got two phones here in my drawer, they’re perfect,” he told her. “And she said, ‘Well, those phones could save a life.’”

That realisation hit Ashton hard. “I felt quite embarrassed,” he admitted. 

“She can have those. And I said, how many more do you want?”

When Janine told him he’d never be able to get enough phones, Ashton—true to his corporate problem-solving mindset—decided to prove her wrong.

More Than Just Old Phones

“I put it out just to my LinkedIn network,” Ashton explained. “But I needed to be clear. I said, ‘What countries are you sending these phones to?’ And she replied, ‘Ashton, I’m talking [2 million people] just in Australia.’”

That floored him. “You can’t be serious—2 million people in Australia?” he asked. “And she said, ‘Yes. And that’s just the reported figures.’”

And so DV Safe Phone was born—a grassroots initiative that’s grown into a national lifeline. 

In just five years, over 12,500 phones have been distributed to people escaping domestic violence.

The Power of a Safe Phone

Many victims have their phones monitored, tracked, or taken by perpetrators. A second, hidden phone can be the key to seeking help or planning an escape.

“If anyone needs a phone,” Ashton urged, “we know people listening might be perpetrators or victims. For victims, these phones are provided as safe phones.”

Through a growing network of over 400 police stations, hospitals, and domestic violence services across Australia, DV Safe Phone ensures that those who need help have a lifeline. A map on their website helps victims discreetly locate a nearby agency that can supply a phone and offer support.

Repair, Recycle, Restore

While Ashton’s original two phones worked fine, he quickly learned that many donated devices needed repair. “We’re replacing batteries in around 40 phones a day at the moment,” he said.

The initiative now employs two full-time technicians and relies on 18 volunteers to test and refurbish phones. Phones beyond repair—or old 3G models—are responsibly recycled through Mobile Muster, Australia’s leading mobile phone recycling program. Their certified processes ensure data is destroyed, protecting everyone involved.

A Community Effort with Eternal Impact

DV Safe Phone is powered by generosity—from individuals, corporate donors, and community groups. But the need is ongoing.

“We don’t sell any phones,” Ashton said. “It’s a really bad business model,” he laughed, “but we do it through people donating funds and us applying for grants to keep the place running.”

Every phone costs an average of $75 to process, and with over 100 phones sent out each week, support—both in devices and donations—is essential. 

The DV Safe Phone website features a live ticker showing donations of all sizes, a testimony to the widespread compassion fuelling the cause.

And if you’ve got an unused phone sitting in a drawer, chances are—it could save a life.

Faith in Action

Ashton’s story is a timely reminder of how God can use the ordinary for the extraordinary. A casual clean-up during lockdown became a ministry of practical care.

This is a poignant example of loving thy neighbour, one who may be secretly in dire need — something Jesus taught so clearly. Offering safety, dignity, and hope to those fleeing violence is Kingdom work in every sense.

If you’re with a church or community group looking to make a difference, DV Safe Phone provides accessible and meaningful ways to support vulnerable Australians.

How You Can Help

• Donate a Phone: Visit dvsafephone.org to find one of over 1,000 collection points nationwide.
• Give Financially: Your contribution helps cover repairs and supplies—making your gift part of a direct solution.
• Spread the Word: Share Ashton’s story in your church, workplace, or community group.
• If You Need Help: Click “Get Help” on the DV Safe Phone website to find safe, confidential support near you.

If you or someone you know have experienced domestic abuse or violence help is available on 1800 RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva