Getting help after OVA

If you are in crisis or need urgent help
Getting help at work
Support services
Find a health professional or health service
Unions and professional associations
Post-incident guides
More information about occupational violence, trauma and stress in the workplace
Ten tips for coping after an incident of occupational violence and aggression

If you are in crisis or need urgent help

Call emergency services on 000
Go to your local hospital emergency department
Lifeline – 13 11 14
beyondblue – 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800

Getting help at work

You can get more guidance, support, information and advice from:

your peers and senior colleagues
your local human resources department, health and safety representatives and occupational health and safety manager
your local peer support program if this is available at your health service
your local Employee Assistance Program.

Support services

Head to Health

An online resource for locating the most suitable mental health services and resources available, including websites, apps and programs, online forums, and phone, chat, and email services.
Head to Health website

Better Access

A Commonwealth Department of Health information hub for accessing telehealth services for people in rural and remote areas.
Better Access website
Telephone: 132 011

Mindspot

An online portal offering a free online screening and assessment service, and treatment and referral options, for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood.
Mindspot website
Telephone: 1800 6144 34

beyondblue

An online information and support service with trained mental health professionals offering telephone, online chat, email and online forum options for basic mental health assistance and referrals.
beyondblue website
Telephone: 1300 22 4636

DirectLine

A confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral service.
DirectLine website
Telephone: 1800 888 236

Nursing and Midwifery Health Program

Free, confidential and independent support service for nurses, midwives and nursing/midwifery students in need of support with sensitive health issues related to substance abuse or mental health issues.
Nursing and Midwifery Health Program website
Telephone: (03) 9415 7551

Nurse and Midwife Support

A 24-hour, 7-day national support service for nurses and midwives providing access to confidential advice and referral.
Nurse and Midwife support website
Telephone: 1800 667 877

Victorian Doctors Health Program

A confidential service for doctors and medical students who have health concerns such as stress, mental health problems, substance use problems, or any other health issues.
Victorian Doctors Health Program website

Australian Medical Association Victoria Peer Support Service

Anonymous and confidential support from a listening colleague who understands the pressures of medicine.
Australian Medical Association Victoria website
Telephone: 1300 853 338

SMART Program

A proactive mental health support program that helps Ambulance Victoria employees to manage their psychological wellbeing by building resilience and coping skills.
Email: smart.program@ambulance.vic.gov.au
Telephone: (03) 9840 3942

M.A.N.E.R.S.

A support line for Ambulance Victoria employees including ACOs and CERTS and their eligible family members.
Telephone: 1800 626 377 (1800 MANERS)
Dial 1 for peer support
Dial 2 for the ACU counselling line
Dial 3 for the Ambulance Victoria chaplain
Dial 4 for support with bullying and harassment
Dial 5 for support with police statements and court attendance
Dial 6 for alcohol and other drugs advice and support (8am to 5pm)

Find a health professional or health service

These peak bodies will help managers and staff to find professional services in their local areas. Many private mental health providers are subsidised under Medicare through Better Access.

Psychiatrists – the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists website lists consultant psychiatrists in private practice in Australia.
Find a psychiatrist

Psychologists – the Australian Psychological Society (APS) website lists fully qualified psychologists who are APS members.
Find a psychologist

Social workers – the Australian Association of Social Workers website lists social workers, including accredited members who provide services relating to trauma and mental health.
Find a social worker

Occupational therapists - the Occupational Therapy Australia website lists member occupational therapists working in private practice.
Find an occupational therapist

General practitioners and health services - the National Health Services Directory is an online directory for locating a suitable health service, covering general practice, emergency, hospital, counselling, and other specific needs.
Find a GP or health service

Unions and professional associations

Australian Medical Association Victoria - a peak body representing Victorian doctors, providing advice, representation, and professional support to members and the medical profession.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch) - the peak professional and industrial organisation for nurses, midwives and carers.

Health and Community Services Union - a specialist union for workers in mental health, disability, and drug and alcohol services across Victoria.

Health Workers Union the health sector union covering Victoria's health sector workers, including aged care, disability, public and private health, community health, aboriginal health, and pathology.