% cat legal/domestic-and-family-violence-statement.txt
Domestic and Family Violence Statement
The IT Dept Pty Ltd · ABN 12 665 405 505 · v1.0 · 10 June 2026
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For confidential 24/7 counselling and support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or at 1800respect.org.au.
A phone and internet connection can be a lifeline for someone experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence. This statement explains the support available here, in line with the Telecommunications (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Consumer Protections) Industry Standard 2025. It applies to current, former, and prospective customers, and to small business and not-for-profit customers as well as individuals.
What you can expect
- You will be believed. You will not be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances to receive support, and you will not have to re-tell your story — this is a one-person provider, and your matter stays with that one person.
- You will never be asked to contact the perpetrator or their representative for any reason, including to speed anything up.
- Your safety comes before process. Account changes that could alert another party will be handled carefully and only in ways you have agreed are safe.
- Your information will be protected. Account details, addresses, and contact information are secured, and additional safeguards (such as a password or safe contact method you choose) can be placed on your account so that no one else can access or change it.
- Your service will be protected. Keeping you connected is the priority. Where violence is a factor, suspension or disconnection for non-payment will not occur while we work through options, and the Payment Assistance Policy applies with priority.
What I can do practically
- Separate or transfer a service into your own name, or establish a new service, in a way that does not notify another party.
- Change account contact details, email addresses, and authentication immediately and securely.
- Apply payment assistance — including waiving amounts owing — where financial abuse or hardship is a factor.
- Treat any related complaint as urgent, with a response within 2 working days.
- Communicate only through the channels and at the times you tell me are safe.
How to get help
Contact Nick directly: nick@theitdept.au or 0448 379 418 (call, SMS, or WhatsApp). You do not need to use any particular words — say as much or as little as you wish. A financial counsellor, social worker, or other authorised representative can also contact me on your behalf.
Support services
- 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732, 1800respect.org.au (24/7 counselling and support)
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 (free financial counselling)
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- eSafety Commissioner — esafety.gov.au (help with technology-facilitated abuse, including securing devices and accounts)