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VIC Family Violence Support Services

If you're experiencing domestic violence in Victoria, there are services available to help you

VIC National Support Services

OrganisationPhoneHoursDescription

Police

000

24/7

Victoria Police address and prevent family violence as a priority. The police identify risks and taking appropriate action to hold perpetrators to account and keep victims safe.

Family Violence Response Centre

1800 015 188

24/7

Statewide access point for people who need to leave a violent situation and access crisis accommodation

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

24/7

National helpline and online chat / advice for people to speak with a trained counsellor who will listen to and support you; this includes making a safety plan if needed. Phone and webchat available.

Kids Helpline

1800 551 800

24/7

This confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 is still open to answer your call, email or WebChat.

Seniors Rights Victoria

1300 368 821

10am – 5pm Mon to Fri

Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, usually a family member. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological and/or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

Magistrates’ Court

  

Family violence matters—including Family Violence Intervention Orders, with urgent and high-risk matters are prioritised. Applications for family violence intervention orders can be made via the Magistrates’ Court Victoria website if it is safe to do so. Applications can still be made in person at Court if that is the safest option.

Men’s Referral Service

1800 766 491

8 am - 9 pm
Mon to Fri,
9am - 5 pm weekends

Provides help and support for men concerned about their own behaviour or people concerned about the behaviour of the men in their lives. Live Chat is also available.

Djirra

1800 105 303

Business hours

Provides support to all Aboriginal women and, particularly, to Aboriginal people who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past.

Dardi Munwurro

1800 435 799

24 hour support

Aboriginal men’s crisis support line: Family violence, parenting, communication, separation and relationship issues

In Touch

1800 755 988

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri

Offers free and confidential support services to migrant and refugee women living in Victoria who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. For services and support during COVID-19, see their online hub.

WithRespect

1800 542 847

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri
+ After Hours

Family violence and intimate partner violence service supporting LGBTIQ+ communities and their families. After hours support, referral and tele-counselling is available

VIC Local Support Services

OrganisationPhoneHoursAreaDescription

Centre Against Violence

03 5722 2203 (business hours); safe steps 1800 015 188 (after hours)

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri
safe steps 24/7

Towong, Wodonga, Indigo, Alpine, Wangaratta, Benalla and Mansfield local government areas

For crisis support and accommodation.

Direct crisis care is available for clients at risk of serious harm from family violence or sexual assault and for clients living in refuges and emergency accommodation.

Centre Against Violence

03 5722 2203

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri

Wangaratta, Alpine, Benalla and Mansfield local government areas

For family violence counselling and support.

Gateway Health – specialist family violence services

02 6022 8888

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri

Wodonga and region plus Corryong, Tallangatta, Tangambalanga, Kiewa and Mount Beauty and surrounds

For non-crisis counselling and case management for women affected by family violence.

Gateway Health – Men’s Behviour Change Program

02 6022 8888

9am – 5pm
Mon to Fri

 

For men seeking to change abusive behaviour.

Victims Assistance Program (VAP) – Hume Region

1300 362 739

On receiving a  voicemail service, a  call response will  be activated.

9am – 5pm

Monday to Friday (except public   holidays)

 

Clients who have experienced violent crime in Victoria and professionals can refer in by calling 1300 362 739 or emailing VAPIntake@merrihealth.org.au.

Child FIRST

1800 271 157

On receiving a  voicemail service, additional service provider contact details are provided.

9am – 5pm

Monday to Friday

 

Information, advice and referral to support children, young people and families.

Stay connected and have a safety plan

Stay connected to family and friends through social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal. Decide on a ‘safe word’ or signal to use with close friends or family so they know if you need help and to call the police or emergency services.

If possible, talk through a plan that might help to increase your safety and protect children. You, or your friend or family member, can call Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for help with safety planning for you.

Pack an emergency bag with important papers, such as passports, and clothes in case you need to leave in a hurry. You may need to leave it at a friend’s place.

For online advice, including an escape bag checklist and safety apps visit 1800RESPECT.