Accessibility Options

If you’re d/Deaf or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone, you can contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS):

NRS Chat: https://nrschat.nrscall.gov.au/nrs/internetrelay

• SMS Relay: 0423 677 767
• Video Relay: Open Microsoft Teams(Opens in a new tab/window) and contact NRS VIDEO RELAY SERVICE
• Voice Relay: 1300 555 727
• TTY Speak and Read 133677

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the adult domestic, family and sexual violence LEAN?

The LEAN is the first statewide lived experience network focused on domestic, family and sexual violence established in South Australia (SA). It is a key mechanism to embed domestic, family and sexual violence lived expertise within the work of the SA Government and the domestic, family and sexual violence services sector more broadly.

The LEAN aims to capture insights and feedback from people with lived experience of domestic/intimate partner violence, family violence and/or sexual violence. 

Is there a Terms of Reference for the LEAN?

Yes. The Terms of Reference outline roles and expectations for the LEAN, and how it will work. You can read them here.

Who can register to join the LEAN?

LEAN members are people with lived experience of domestic, family and/or sexual violence in South Australia who: 

• Identify as a victim-survivor of domestic, family and/or sexual violence.
• May or may not have received services in relation to their experience. 
• Are 18 and over
• Live in South Australia.

Membership of the LEAN includes people with experiences of sexual violence outside of the context of domestic and family violence, and people who are now adults who have experience of childhood sexual abuse.

The LEAN welcomes everyone with a range of experiences and from diverse communities to nominate to become a network member. 

We understand that members may share information about their community or identity group, but do not expect them to act as a formal representative of their communities. 

When or how do I join the LEAN?

People can apply to join the LEAN at any time by completing the Expression of Interest form.

If you need support to do so, please email us at [email protected] or call 0447 670 827

What does being a LEAN member involve?

LEAN members have the opportunity to:

• provide feedback, advice and input on key issues and topics relating to domestic, family and sexual violence.
• may be asked to contribute to the design, development and evaluation of domestic, family and sexual violence services and initiatives.

Most commonly, LEAN members will be engaged via surveys and email. Members may also be invited to participate in interviews, focus groups or workshops. These will be held in person, online or a combination (‘hybrid’). 

Members will also be kept up to date with emailed newsletters and will have the opportunity to attend webinars on topics that aim to help them participate in the LEAN and create connections across the network.

Members can decide how they are involved. There are no activities that members are required to do.

Members can choose to leave  the Network at any time, just by letting Embolden know.

Will I be paid for my time?

Membership and participation in activities as part of the LEAN are generally unpaid, for example reading the LEAN newsletter or providing feedback by survey or email.

Members will be paid or reimbursed for participating in an interview, focus group or workshop (in person, online or by phone). If you are invited to participate in an activity, we will tell you the amount you will be paid for your involvement. You can find more information on the Payment Information document.

What support will be available?

Available support, such as someone to talk and debrief with, will depend on the type of engagement. For interviews, focus groups and workshops, we will ask members about the support they need to participate. A list of support services available in the community is at the end of these FAQs.

What are the benefits of joining the LEAN?

LEAN members can participate in different engagements, to help improve how we prevent and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence.

For some people, sharing their lived experience in advocating for system change can be important part of their healing and recovery from violence.

What are the possible risks of being a member of the LEAN?

There is the risk of feeling emotional distress or discomfort having conversations about domestic, family and sexual violence. This can be more likely in a lived experience environment, where everyone is deeply connected to and affected by what’s being discussed. 

LEAN members can choose how they are involved. Some members may decide just to receive the newsletter. Others may wish to participate in interviews or focus groups . 

We will never ask you to share details of your experiences of violence or abuse as part of your participation in engagement opportunities. However, some members may choose to share information about their experiences with the service system, or other parts of their experience, from time to time. 

We will be transparent about the nature and type of engagement opportunity so you can know the details before choosing to take part.

How do I know if the LEAN is the right opportunity for me?

We understand that people with lived experience are strongly motivated to help others avoid the same negative experiences that they may have had. 

Involvement in the LEAN does not require lived experience experts to share the details of their own experiences, but you may reflect on your experiences to provide input and expertise. This work might be uncomfortable and challenging at times and it is important that you feel ready and safe to undertake this work. 

A self-reflection tool has been developed to help you reflect and consider whether to participate. We encourage you to review this and reflect. 

How will the information I provide be used?

All members of the LEAN need to share some personal details as part of the Expression of Interest to be a part of the LEAN. The types of personal information we collect include:

• Your name, preferred pronouns, and contact details (email address, contact number) 
• Some questions about your identity (for example, whether you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander)
• Any contact with domestic, family and sexual violence services.

We collect your name, contact details and relevant experience so we can:

• Send you updates and invitations.
• Offer relevant engagement opportunities.

For more details, see the LEAN Information Privacy Sheet or contact us.

Who to contact for further information

You can email us at [email protected] or call 0447 670 827.

Supports

There is a wide range of support available in the community including: 

• 24 hour domestic violence crisis line – 1800 800 098
• Women’s Information Service – 8303 0590
• 1800 RESPECT, a national phone counselling helpline. Call 1800 737 732, available 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

• QLife, a phone counselling helpline for LGBTIQA+ people. Call 1800 184 527 available 3pm-midnight, 7 days a week. 
• 13YARN (13 92 76), a crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
• Migrant women’s support program – 8152 9260 or [email protected]
• Yarrow Place – 1800 817 421 (after hours 8226 8787)
• Kids Helpline  – 1800 55 1800
• SA Abuse prevention phone line – 1800 372 310
• Victim support groups: SA.GOV.AU – Victim support groups