Texting 1800RESPECT

• 1800RESPECT is a free service, however your network provider may charge you for text messages at standard rates based on your contract/arrangement. Please check with your network provider.   

• The 1800RESPECT text service number (0458 737 732) may appear on your phone bill. This means that anyone who can see your phone bill may be able to see that a text was made to our number. 

• Most network providers will hide the number, meaning that it does not appear on the phone bill. However, unless you have confirmed with your network provider that they exclude 1800RESPECT from your itemised phone bill, you should assume that the number will appear on your bill.  

• If there is any concern that a person using violence may have access to your phone, you should text from a different phone (if possible) or ensure that you delete your text history on your device. 

• Yes. We do this to help manage and improve our service.  

• If you do not wish for your interaction to be recorded, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 to speak to a counsellor. When you call, tell them you do not want the call recorded. 

• Please note that to protect the privacy of our service users and counsellors, recordings cannot be released without a Subpoena/Search Warrant/Court Order. For more information, see our Privacy statement. 

• There are a number of different things you can do to protect your privacy and safety when using SMS. We recommend deleting your text message history from all devices after your conversation ends to make sure cloud services have not backed up your text messages. 

• You can also help protect your safety and privacy by switching off ‘mirroring’ on your devices. Mirroring a device shows what’s on your screen on another device. We recommend you check your device settings and make sure that no one else has access to your accounts. 

To text 1800RESPECT you only need mobile network coverage. You do not need to use the internet to text 1800RESPECT. 

Yes, you can enable text-message-to-speech on your devices. These features are designed to read out text messages or other content on your device’s screen. Search online for information on how to do this, as it will vary depending on the device. 

• Currently, texting 1800RESPECT is only available in English. Anyone requiring a translator can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) to speak to a counsellor at 1800RESPECT via telephone. 

• There are some devices that provide text-to-text translation. Each device is different, so please find information relevant to your device online.