In a year where we continue to count women killed by acts of violence, walking in solidarity with victim survivors is an act of hope.
Uniting staff from a range of services across the state joined the 5000+ person strong march last Friday, November 24, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign in Victoria.
The Walk Against Family Violence was a moment for us all to come together and act in solidarity. We walk for many different reasons, but we are all united in our goal of creating a future where everyone is safe, equal, and respected.
Read the full address by Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Chair of Respect Victoria
We belong to a unique team of hard working and dedicated professionals who operate with a strong sense of justice, and a commitment to those we walk alongside.
We can’t lose sight of the importance of looking after ourselves and recognise that sometimes we need to reach out for more support if we feel we’re struggling. Please take advantage of the resources and support available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, please reach out to one of the following services.
In emergencies:
- Victoria Police. If you are experiencing family violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance. More information can be found on the family violence page of the Victoria Police website.
For general counselling and support:
- Safe Steps is available to support people in Victoria who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing family violence. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 1800 015 188 or try their live web chat service available 9am-9pm, Monday – Friday. Chats are anonymous and accessible to anyone experiencing violence or concerned about the welfare of a loved one. More information can be found on the Safe Steps website.
- The Orange Door provides help for people experiencing family violence, or who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. To find a service near you, visit the Orange Door website.
- 1800 Respect is a national hotline operated by trained counsellors. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support people impacted by family violence, please call 1800 737 732. More information can be found on the 1800 Respect website.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced sexual assault. It operates between 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays. You can call the crisis line on 1800 806 292. During work hours, calls will be diverted to your local Sexual Assault Service.
Use Sexual Assault Services Victoria‘s Specialist Sexual Assault Service Map to find a service near you.
For men:
- No to Violence is the peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end family violence. No to Violence operates the Men’s Referral Service (MRS) which provides telephone counselling, information and referrals – call 1300 766 491. More information can be found on the No to Violence website.
- MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please call 1300 789 978. More information can be found on the MensLine Australia website.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
- Djirra is committed to providing culturally safe and accessible services to Aboriginal people seeking support. Call 1800 105 303 or visit the Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Preventions and Legal Services website.
For people from multicultural backgrounds:
- InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence is a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Call 1800 755 988 or visit the InTouch website.
For older people:
- Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) provides information and advice to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights of older people. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call SRV’s confidential helpline: 1300 368 821. More information can be found on the Senior Rights Victoria website.
For LGBTIQ+ people and their families:
- Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Call 1800 729 367 or visit the Rainbow Door website.
Other referral pathways:
- Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) provides assistance to people with legal problems in areas of criminal law, family law and some civil law matters. They provide an interpreter service in 14 other languages. Call 1300 792 387 for more information. More information can be found on the Victorian Legal Aid website.
- Victims Support Agency is the official Victorian Government Agency helping people in Victoria manage the effects of violent crime, including legal considerations. Please call 1800 819 817 or the text service on 0427 767 891. More information can be found on the Victims Support Agency website.
