Witness to War Reaches 2,000 Calls Milestone

Witness to War Hotline Surpasses 2,000 Calls, Marking Significant Milestone in Supporting Australians Impacted by Overseas Conflict

The Witness to War (W2W) hotline, established by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), is marking a significant milestone, having surpassed 2,000 calls in its first 18 months of operation. This free and vital service, launched in December 2023, continues to provide critical support to Australians grappling with the emotional and psychological impacts of overseas conflicts.

Since its inception, the free hotline has become a crucial resource, offering compassionate assistance to individuals from diverse backgrounds across Australia in their first language.

The service has experienced a substantial increase in demand, with a notable surge in calls, particularly from the Iranian community following the start of the Israel-Iran conflict, with around 30 calls received in the last week alone.

The W2W hotline ensures accessibility through staff speaking eight languages (Arabic, Dari, English, Farsi, Hazaragi, Hebrew, Kurdish, Russian, Ukrainian) supplemented by interpreter services, guaranteeing comprehensive and inclusive assistance.

Highlighting the unique approach of the Witness to War hotline, STARTTS CEO Jorge Aroche said, “The volume of calls we are receiving underscores the deep and pervasive impact of these conflicts on our communities. It’s not just about providing mental health support; it’s about providing trauma-informed support from individuals who understand the specific context of overseas conflict and war.

“Many mainstream services simply aren’t equipped to address the complex layers of trauma experienced by those impacted by these events. Our specialised team bridges that critical gap, offering culturally sensitive care that acknowledges the unique challenges our callers face.

“The W2W hotline has witnessed a significant surge in calls requiring Accidental Counselling, reflecting the escalating trauma experienced by all individuals impacted by these conflicts, and we anticipate this will contribute to a record week for calls, building on the ever-increasing demand.”

The hotline’s Client Support Workers have played a pivotal role in providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. 152–168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar, NSW, 2163 stts-startts@health.nsw.gov.au (02) 9646 6700 www.startts.org.au

“Many callers are experiencing intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness as they witness the suffering of their loved ones overseas,” said Fida Al Haddad, a Client Support Worker speaking Arabic. “It’s a privilege to be able to offer them a safe space to express their emotions and begin the healing process.”

Another support worker, Svitlana Yakovenko – a Ukrainian speaker, added, “Providing support in their first language is crucial. It allows them to articulate their experiences more fully and feel understood. We often hear from callers that they feel relief just from having someone who understands their culture and situation.”

As global conflicts persist, the Witness to War hotline remains an important resource, providing vital support to Australians navigating the complex emotional landscape of these challenging times.

The Witness to War hotline can be accessed Monday to Friday between 10AM – 7PM AEST (except public holidays) on 1800 845 198.