Open Arms supports partners and some ex-partners of anyone who has served at least one day with the Australian Defence Force.

Support for partners

Open Arms can help you develop practical skills to support your own mental health and wellbeing.

Our services are free and confidential and can be provided independently, or include your partner.

Open Arms is also here in the unfortunate event that your partner is injured or has died.

Support for ex-partners

Open Arms supports ex-partners who are:

• co-parenting a child under 18 years of age with someone who has served, or
• within five years after the relationship has ended.

Support for your partner

As a partner or ex-partner, you are often in the best position to notice when your partner has:

• difficulty adjusting to ‘normal life’ in Australia
• challenges in transitioning to civilian life after leaving the ADF
• anger control issues
• depression and anxiety
• substance and alcohol misuse
• trauma or PTSD.

Improving relationships and communication

Open Arms counselling and group programs can help you with:

• building positive relationships
• managing separation due to deployment
• readjusting when your partner returns home, and
• transitioning to civilian life.

Violent, intimidating or controlling behaviour

Family violence prevention programs are run by Relationships Australia and help people deal with violence and/or abuse issues in their relationships, including targeted family violence programs.

You can also call the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 if you are worried about you or your family's situation.

See also