Domestic violence - services for women

Domestic violence is a crime. Every woman and child has the right to be safe. Research shows that women are much more likely to be victims of domestic violence than men. It has an enormous impact on the physical and mental health of women and children. The effects of violence can be felt for many years.

Domestic violence is a complex issue and women experiencing it need individual support and access to support services. A range of services is available in Victoria to help women make changes and choices for the future.

In an emergency, call the police

In an emergency situation, dial triple zero (000) to call the police for urgent attention.

National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service

This is a 24-hour, 7-days–a-week telephone and online counselling service for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family violence or sexual assault. This service provides telephone and online information, counselling, referrals and support.

Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria

This is a 24-hour, 7-days–a-week, confidential telephone service that provides information, support and access to safe accommodation or refuges for women and their children. This is the best first point of contact for someone who wants to leave a violent partner or family situation.

The Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service can act quickly if your situation is urgent and can help you with transport if you don’t have a car or money. This service is busy, but keep trying and you will get through.

Staff at the service will talk with you to develop an understanding of your situation and assess what to do first and how to go about it. The best time for a woman to leave a violent situation will depend on the urgency of the situation and the woman’s care needs.

Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service

This service provides information, support and referrals to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in their first language. The service operates Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Elizabeth Hoffman House Aboriginal Women’s Service

This service provides support to Aboriginal women and children, non-Aboriginal women who are mothers of Aboriginal children, and non-Aboriginal women who have Aboriginal partners, who are experiencing family violence. It provides urgent crisis services and ongoing support.

Elizabeth Hoffman House Aboriginal Women’s Service is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday. After hours, call the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria.

Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria

This service provides legal services and counselling to Aboriginal women who have experienced family violence. It also provides support to non-Aboriginal carers and parents of Aboriginal children. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Domestic violence outreach workers

Domestic violence outreach workers offer support to women escaping domestic violence and are located throughout Victoria. The workers understand that women in this situation need practical, emotional, financial and legal support.

Once you have made the decision to leave a violent domestic situation, you don’t have to do it alone. The Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service can give you the telephone number of your local outreach worker.

Refuges and shelters

Refuges and shelters provide safe and secure accommodation for women and children escaping violence. They assist women to get back on their feet by providing emotional support, legal assistance, help with finding permanent housing and applying for appropriate benefits.

Many organisations provide refuges or emergency housing for women and children leaving domestic violence situations. Some need to have secret locations to protect women from threats by partners or other violent family members.

Living in secret locations can mean you have to move a long way from where you previously lived and can’t tell anyone where you are staying. You can contact refuges and shelters through the Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria.

Other emergency housing

Various community and church-based groups provide emergency housing. The accommodation varies from shared housing to single flats.

It is worth finding out what these organisations require of you while staying in their accommodation, because expectations vary and so does the support provided and the length of stay allowed.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for police or ambulance services
• National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line Tel. 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
• Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service Tel. (03) 9322 3555 or 1800 015 188
• Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service Tel. (03) 8413 6800 or 1800 755 988
• Elizabeth Hoffman House Aboriginal Women’s Service Tel. (03) 9482 5744 or 1800 796 112
• Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Tel. (03) 9244 3333 or 1800 105 303

Things to remember

• Domestic violence is a crime. Every woman and child has the right to be safe.
• Domestic violence is a complex issue and women need individual support to meet their needs.
• A range of support and accommodation services can help women leaving situations of domestic violence.

You might also be interested in:

• Domestic violence - tips for children.
  
• Domestic violence and children.
  
• Emergencies - who to call in a crisis.
  
• Parenting support to help prevent abuse.
  
• Sexual abuse - how parents can help their child.
  
• Sexual assault.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Womens Health Victoria

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: February 2012

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Domestic violence is a crime. Every woman and child has the right to be safe. Domestic violence has an enormous impact on the physical and mental health of women and children. It is a complex issue and women experiencing domestic violence need individual support and access to a variety of services.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2013  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.