Australia Post to aid family and domestic violence victims with free post boxes, mail redirection

MORE than 4300 post offices across Australia will offer victims of domestic violence free post office boxes and mail redirection services.

FREE post office boxes are now available nationally to survivors of family violence under a groundbreaking Australia Post scheme.

Those who have experienced family or domestic violence can also access a free 12-month mail redirection service, Australia Post consumer general manager Jane Cohen said.

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“Meeting the advocate, Kristy McKellar, through the Male Champions of Change group opened our eyes to the practical but powerful ways we could help victims of family ­violence,” she said.

“Together, these services help people take control of their mail and important information, providing greater peace of mind and security during what can be a very difficult time.

“More than 4300 post offices across the country are equipped to help customers apply for this service, with ­customers knowing that their information will be kept safe and secure.”

The services will help victims take control of their lives again.

Ms McKellar has been a passionate advocate for family violence survivors after she was forced to flee an abusive relationship. On Thursday, she welcomed the initiative: “When survivors leave a relationship, there is often much instability because they often don’t have a home or access to a refuge. A post office box allows them to safely access their mail. It offers survivors choice and security.”

Eligible customers can apply at any Australia Post outlet for a free mail redirection for up to 12 months and a free post office box for up to 22 months.

Customers need to complete the relevant forms and show proof of identity.

They must also provide ­either a current interim or full Australian intervention order, statutory declaration from the relevant state police on police letterhead, or document on an approved letterhead from a supporting relevant agency such as a health service.

A free post office box can be used for up to 22 months.

Those who are eligible can apply for both services at once from any post office in Australia.

The Male Champions of Change group consists of more than 100 heads of some of Australia’s largest organisations, including Qantas, the Ten Network, the Federal Police, Crown Resorts, the Australian Army, the AFL and Telstra.

A recent initiative of the group was the Everyday Sexism project, which encouraged workplace leaders to take a stand against crude, cruel and thoughtless acts such as sexist jokes.

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