There are a range of services available to support families and children impacted by family violence.
The Orange Door is a 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:
Contact the Orange Door on 1800 319 355, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays)
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.
EMWHAS is an Aboriginal-led peak body for Aboriginal Women and Children in Victoria providing family violence services and advocacy.
Safe Steps 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
Men’s Line 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours)
Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day)
Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)
Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
Djirra 1800 105 303 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
Dardi Munwurro 1800 435 799 (24 hours)
Yarning SafeNStrong 1800 959 563 (24 hours)
InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence 1800 755 988 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
Switchboard Victoria Q-life 1800 184 527 (3pm – 12am, 7 days)
Switchboard Victoria Rainbow Door 1800 729 367; Text: 0480 017 246 (10am – 6pm, 7 days)
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:
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 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.
Epping 9409 8100 (24 hours)
Mernda 9216 1200 (24 hours)
Mill Park 9407 3333 (24 hours)
Whittlesea 9716 2102
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.
You can access temporary accommodation at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility for your pet if you are a victim/survivor of family violence.
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).