If you are in immediate danger call the police on 000.
If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence you can visit 1800 RESPECT or call 1800 737 732 (24 hours). This is the national counselling service for specialist support and advice.
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Family violence is abuse by a person against someone they are in a family-like relationship with. This may include their spouse, partner, children and in-laws.
Family violence includes:
- any type of physical violence, such as slapping or punching
- forcing someone to take part in sexual acts, even if you are married
- making threats or calling names
- controlling contact with people outside the family
- denying someone access to money
- children witnessing this abuse
- threats or harm to pets to cause fear and/or to control a family member.
Family violence is against the law and is never your fault.
The Orange Door has lots of resources and information to help you understand more about family violence and services available.
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Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust. This may be a family member or friend. It may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual.
If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, you can contact one of the services on this page. You can also find more specific information to assist older people at Seniors Rights Victoria. Call them on 1300 368 821 (10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday).
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The following services can assist if you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence.
If you are in immediate danger call 000.
Services for women and children
Ask Izzy is on online service that connects people in crisis with the nearby services they need. They can assist with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and more. It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.
Eliza Morgan House Aboriginal Women's Service (EMHAWS) is an Aboriginal-led Victorian organisation providing family violence services and advocacy. Call 1800 364 297 (24 hours).
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre supports women and children. Call 1800 015 188 (24 hours).
Sexual Assault Crisis Line supports, advocates for and provides a crisis response for people who have experienced sexual violence. Call 1800 806 292 (24 hours).
The Orange Door supports adults, children and young people in in Melbourne's north east who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence. It also assists families who need extra support with the care of children.Call 1800 319 355, 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Services for men
Dardi Munwurro is an Aboriginal men’s referral crisis line and support service. Call 1800 435 799 (24 hours).
Men’s Line provides counselling support for men experiencing or using violence. Call 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours).
No To Violence (also known as Men's Referral Service) is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also provides help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men. Call 1300 766 491 (8 am – 9 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday).
The Orange Door supports adults, children and young people in Melbourne's north east who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence. It also assists families who need extra support with the care of children, and offers men's family violence services. Call 1800 319 355, 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Victims of Crime Helpline supports adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime. Call 1800 819 817or text 0427 767 891 (8 am – 11 pm every day).
Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Djirra provides culturally safe and accessible counselling support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing family violence and sexual assault. Call 1800 105 303 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday).
Dardi Munwurro is an Aboriginal men’s referral crisis line and support service. Call 1800 435 799 (24 hours).
Eliza Morgan House Aboriginal Women's Service (EMHAWS) is an Aboriginal-led Victorian organisation providing family violence services and advocacy. Call 1800 364 297 (24 hours).
The Orange Door supports adults, children and young people in Melbourne's north east who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence. It also assists families who need extra support with the care of children, and offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. Call 1800 319 355, 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Yarning SafeNStrong is a Victorian Aboriginal Health (VAH) service, It offers support and referral for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, family and allies. Call1800 959 563(24 hours).
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Victim/survivors of family violence can get temporary accommodation for their pet at the wat djerring Animal Facility (formerly Epping Animal Welfare Facility).
Who can access the care?
Family violence services, community services and Victoria Police can access temporary accommodation and care for pets on behalf of victim/survivors of family violence they are supporting.
What type of care will my pet receive?
Your pet will either be kept at wat djerring Animal Facility or placed in foster care for up to three weeks. Extended timeframes will be considered on a case by case basis.
Why does this program exist?
The program enables us to play a role in assisting residents who are in emergency or crisis situations.
How do I apply for care?
Your support worker can access the service on your behalf by contacting the Animal Management department on 03 9217 2170.
We have developed a strategy to improve gender equity and prevent family violence against women. Equal and Safe was adopted by Council in 2019.
Download our Equal and Safe Strategy 2019(PDF, 932KB)
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