Where to get help
If you are in immediate danger, please contact the police by dialling 000
Across Victoria there are family violence experts who can listen to you, help you explore your options and provide information.
Family violence or sexual assault services available 24/7
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
1800RESPECT can support people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing family violence. They provide confidential information and counselling and can provide a referral to other services. The service is also available for workers and friends and family who need advice.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188
Safe Steps is Victoria’s statewide response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence and provides; 24/7 family violence response phone line; Risk assessments; Safety planning; Emotional and material support
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) 1800 806 292
SACL is a state-wide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. 5pm weeknights through to 9am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays.
Open during business hours
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children. If you are not in immediate danger, but feel unsafe, contact The Orange Door. Visit their website to find your local service.
The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program (NMHPV) 9415 7551 or email admin@nmhp.org.au
The Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria provides sensitive and compassionate screening, assessment, referrals, individual support sessions and groups for those seeking help to manage these health concerns. NMHPV believe that early intervention is the best way to address health challenges and encourage our colleagues to contact us to discuss how we can best help.
Djirra 1800 105 303
Assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault.
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence 1800 755 988
Services, programs and responses to issues of family violence in CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities.
Victims of Crime Victoria 1800 819 817
For men experiencing domestic violence.
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
MensLine Australia is a free and confidential telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
Rainbow Door 1800 729 367
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
WIRE 1300 134 130
WIRE can provide support and referral for women, nonbinary or gender diverse people on any issue over the phone, online and in-person.
For men who are concerned about their behaviour
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
Men’s Referral Service phone and chat service is available 7 days a week for men who wish to find out about family violence
Other specialist services
Directline (alcohol and drug) – 1800 888 236
Gambler’s Help – 1800 858 858
Lifeline (mental health) – 13 11 14
Victorian mental health services
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Online information on family violence
Family violence is not always easy to identify because the violence is often not physical. All partners, family members and others in close relationships disagree or argue from time to time, even within a healthy relationship. When disagreements and arguments become a consistent pattern and you feel fear or controlled, you may be experiencing family violence.
There are many family violence counsellors you can talk to who can provide information and support and who can discuss what you can do so you and your family are safe. This violence is not your fault and you are not alone.
