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Family violence support service information

Immediate assistance 

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), the national counselling service for specialist support and advice.

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Services available to support families and children impacted by family violence

The Orange Door

The Orange Door is the main intake service for adults, children and young people in the North East Metropolitan Region of Melbourne who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.

Services offered:

  • Women, children and young people's family violence services
  • Child and family services
  • Aboriginal services
  • Men's family violence services

Contact the Orange Door on 1800 319 355, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays)

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more.

It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.

Visit the Ask Izzy website for more information.

EMHAWS

EMWHAS is an Aboriginal-led peak body for Aboriginal Women and Children in Victoria providing family violence services and advocacy.

Visit the EMWHAS website for more information.

State-wide support services

Safe Steps If you are in immediate danger call the Police on 000. (24 hours)
For women and children who are impacted by family violence.

Men’s Line 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours)
Counselling support for men experiencing or using violence.

Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day)
For adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime.

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)
For men using controlling behaviour,  women seeking information and friends, family or colleagues of people who are using their experiencing family violence.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)
A free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25 years.

Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
For victim/survivors of sexual assault.

Djirra 1800 105 303 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday) 
Counselling support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing family violence and sexual assault.

Dardi Munwurro 1800 435 799 (24 hours)
Aboriginal Men’s Referral Crisis Line.

Yarning SafeNStrong 1800 959 563 (24 hours)
Support and referral line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, family and allies.

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence 1800 755 988 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
In-language support for migrant and refugee women experiencing family violence.

Switchboard Victoria Q-life 1800 184 527 (3pm – 12am, 7 days)
Support and referral service for the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies; webchat available.

Switchboard Victoria Rainbow Door 1800 729 367; Text: 0480 017 246 (10am – 6pm, 7 days)
Support and referral service for the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies; interpreters available.

About family violence

Family violence is abuse by a person to someone they are in a family-like relationship with including 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. Find out more about the types of family violence and the causes by visiting the Orange Door.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. It may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual.

If you or someone that you know is experiencing elder abuse, you can contact one of the above services Seniors Rights Victoria for information and support.

Police stations

In your language

Family Violence Strategy

We have developed a whole-of-council strategy to improve gender equity and prevent family violence against women. Equal and Safe was adopted by Council in 2019.

Download

Support for pets of family violence victims/survivors

You can access temporary accommodation at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility for your pet if you are a victim/survivor of family violence.

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 EAWF 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 Council 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 Team 9217 2170.

If you need support, contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. In an emergency call 000 (triple zero).

Read the Domestic Animal Welfare Support Policy (PDF - 656KB)