Family violence support

Family violence is a display of abusive and controlling behaviour that can take different forms.

It is rarely a one-off incident and occurs both within intimate relationships as well as between family members.

Family violence can affect anyone, regardless of sex, age, race, sexuality, disability, income, gender or lifestyle. However, violent behaviour is most frequently used by men, to exercise power and control over women and children.

Every resident deserves to live free from violence. As a local leader, Council continues to call attention to the impact of gender-based violence and notes everyone has a role to play in preventing it.

Whatever your situation, if you or someone you know needs help, there is a wide range of family violence support services available. 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or is at risk of experiencing family violence, please call for 24 hour confidential support 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website.

Family violence support services

• Safe Steps  - 1800 015 188 |www.safesteps.org.au

• WRSIC - 5333 3666 (business hours) www.wrisc.org.auProvide safety, support, information, advocacy, children's counselling, court support, and case management services across our region.

• Child and Family Services (CAFS) CAFS Family Violence
  Offers family violence support and men’s behaviour change programs : Ararat – 5352 9210 (business hours) and  Ballarat – 5337 3333 (business hours)

• Orange Door Ballarat  - 1800 219 819 | The Orange Door
  The Orange Door listens and help you to get the support you need, quickly and easily. It’s free and you don’t need a referral.

• Lifeline -  13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au 
  Call any time to access crisis support and suicide prevention services.

• Kids Helpline 24/7 1800 55 1800 | www.kidshelpline.com.au
  Confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25

• Sexual Assault Crisis Line - 1800 806 292 
  A state-wide, free and confidential after-hours telephone crisis counselling services for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.

• White Ribbon Australia  - 1800 737 732 | www.whiteribbon.org.au
  A 24-hour response phone line connects women (this includes anyone who identifies as female or transfeminine) and their children with specialist support workers who can help them explore their options.

If you are using violence in your relationships, help is available to stop

• Consider reaching out to No to Violence if you have concerns about your behaviour
• Respectful relationships support is also available from Relationships Australia Victoria, who you can reach on 1300 364 277.
• If you’re a man, you could also try the confidential Men using family violence | Relationships Australia Victoria on 1300 766 491, available 24/7.