Family Violence is a serious public health and safety issues. It includes any form of violence or abuse in the home or within relationships.
Violence against women, children and others in the home, or within relationships, never acceptable – it is a crime. Everyone has the right to live free from harm, fear and abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available.
Support is confidential, compassionate and often available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency Contacts
- Police or Ambulance - Telephone 000 [24 hours]
24 Hours/7 days a week Support Services
- 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 [24 hours] or website 1800RESPECT
- Safe Steps - 1800 015 188 [24 hours] or website Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 24/7 support for Victorians
Local and Specialist Services
- Orange Door – Southern Melbourne, Level 2, 311 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong - 1800 271 170 [Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm]
- Wellsprings for Women (Specialised Family Violence case) - 9701 3740 (Monday-Friday,9am – 5pm) or website Wellsprings for Women
Advice for Women in Other Languages
- InTouch Multicultural Centre - 1800 755 988 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) or website inTouch
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Djirra - Aboriginal Family Violence Support - 1800 105 303 [Monday-Friday, 9am–5 pm]
Support for Children
- Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800 [24 hours]
LGBTIQA+ Support
- With Respect: LGBTIQ+ - 9663 6733 [Monday-Friday, 9 am–5 pm] or website WithRespect - queerspace
- Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367 [Everyday, 10am-5pm] or website Rainbow Door
Sexual Assault Support
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line - 1800 806 292 [24 hours]
- South-East Centre against Sexual Assault - 8769 2200 [Monday-Friday, 9am–5 pm]
Help with Housing
- Salvation Army Crisis Centre (Help finding somewhere to live) - 9536 7777 [24 hours]
- Legal Assistance (Victoria Legal Aid) - 1300 792 387 [Monday-Friday, 8am–6 pm]
- Springvale Monash Legal Service - 9545 7400 [Monday-Friday, 9am–5 pm]
Language Support
- Telephone Interpreter Service - 131 450 [24 hours] State your language
Men’s Services
- Men's Referral Service (Counselling to help men to stop using violence) - 1300 766 491 [24 hours]
Useful Websites
General Support and Advice
Victorian Government: Listing of Family Violence Support and Advice Services - Whatever your situation, if you or someone you know needs help, there is a wide range of family violence support services available.
Safe and Equal - Provides a classified list of family violence support services in Victoria.
1800 Respect - Confidential information, counselling and support.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - Victoria's 24 hour family violence response centre for confidential crisis support, information and accommodation.
The Orange Door - Provides help and support for family violence, as well as to as families in need of support with the wellbeing of children. The Orange Door helps you find help and support near you.
Sexual Assault Support
Sexual Assault Crisis Line - Crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Migrant and Refugee Women
In My Voice - Accounts of the experience of family violence told by members of migrant and refugee communities. Presented by Settlement Services International.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Djirra - Telephone counselling service for Aboriginal people who are experiencing, or have experienced, family violence.
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency - Statewide support service for Aboriginal children and families.
First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence - Information about family violence and support services and advice for professionals.
YarningSafeNStgrong - Telephone crisis line for Aboriginal people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing.
Dardi Munwurro -Telephone crisis support for Aboriginal men with family violence issues.
Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse Support and Advice: Senior Rights Victoria - Operated by Senior Rights Victoria. Provides support, advice, casework and education to prevent and respond to elder abuse. Includes a helpline, legal services, support and advocacy for individuals.
Help for Children
Child Protection - To report children and young people whose safety is at risk.
Kids Helpline - 24 hours phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
LGBTIQA+ Communities
Rainbow Door - Specialist advice to LGBTIQ+ people and their friends and families.
Services for Men
Men's Referral Service - Works with men who use family violence, and services that help men change their abusive and violent behaviour.
MensLine Australia with Web Chat - Telephone and online counselling for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.