In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study, Liz and new co-host team member Plia Caspi are joined by counsellor Ruby Krupka to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV) — what it looks like, how it affects wellbeing and study, and how people can seek help or support others safely.

Together, they unpack the patterns of abuse, and the challenges people face in recognising and leaving unsafe relationships. The team also explores recovery, rebuilding confidence, and where to find confidential support both within and beyond RMIT.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 000.
If it’s not safe to speak, you can use the Silent Call option by dialling 000, then pressing 55.

• 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence service
  📞 1800 737 732 | 🌐 1800respect.org.au

• Safe Steps – Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre
  📞 1800 015 188 | 🌐 safesteps.org.au

• The Orange Door – Free family violence and wellbeing support service across Victoria
  🌐 orangedoor.vic.gov.au

• Lifeline – 24-hour crisis support
  📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 lifeline.org.au

• MensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing relationship or family violence issues
  📞 1300 789 978 | 🌐 mensline.org.au

• Kids Helpline – Support for young people under 25
  📞 1800 55 1800 | 🌐 kidshelpline.com.au

• inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – Support for people from culturally diverse backgrounds
  🌐 intouch.org.au

• Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) – Specialist trauma counselling and advocacy
  🌐 casa.org.au

• Victoria Legal Aid – Free legal information and advice
  🌐 legalaid.vic.gov.au

• Safer Community – Support for experiences of violence, sexual harm, or concerning behaviour.
  📞 (03) 9925 2396 | 🌐 rmit.edu.au/safercommunity

• Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) – Free, confidential short-term counselling for students.
  📞 (03) 9925 5000 | After-hours: 1300 305 737

• Student Legal Service – Free legal advice for students.
  🌐 rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-legal-service

• Student Support Advisors – Help with financial, accommodation, and academic issues.

• Chaplaincy – Confidential spiritual and emotional support for students of all faiths.

If you need to store evidence (texts, screenshots, or photos) securely — without keeping them on your phone’s main gallery or messaging apps — these tools can help:

• Arc App (1800RESPECT) – Free and secure app for safely recording patterns of abuse and storing evidence.
  🌐 arcapp.org.au

• Safety Net Australia (WESNET) – Offers digital safety tips and information about secure apps.
  🌐 techsafety.org.au

• Be Safe App (Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria) – Personalised safety planning tool.
  🌐 besafeapp.org.au

• SmartSafe+ – Secure evidence storage app (by WESNET). Designed for people experiencing tech-based abuse.
  🌐 smartsafe.org.au

🟣 Important tip: If you’re using safety or evidence apps, consider setting up a PIN lock and disguised app name if possible. Always delete browser history after visiting support sites if your device is being monitored.

• IPV isn’t always physical — it can include emotional, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse.

• Leaving can be complex and dangerous — safety planning and professional support are crucial.

• You are never to blame for someone else’s choice to control or harm you.

• Support and recovery are possible — you don’t have to face it alone.

• Power and Control Wheel – Understanding patterns of abuse.

• Cycle of Violence diagram – DVRCV

• eSafety Commissioner – Technology and abuse

The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find support and hope.

⚠️ If You Need Immediate Support💜 24/7 Support Services🎓 RMIT Support Options📱 Helpful Safety and Record-Keeping Apps🕊️ Key Takeaways💡 Additional Resources🎧 Listen and Subscribe