Family violence and support
Family violence remains a pervasive issue for the Darebin community and is the most significant crime against the person in the municipality.Family violence is threatening, violent or controlling behaviour by someone against a family member or someone with whom they have, or has had, an intimate relationship.
Violent behaviour includes not only physical assaults but also:
- direct or indirect threats
- sexual assault
- emotional and psychological torment
- economic control
- property damage
- social isolation.
If you're affected by family violence, visit 1800 RESPECT or call their National Counselling Helpline on 1800 737 732.
If you're in immediate danger, call the Police on 000 (triple zero).
Family violence support services
Find a list of family violence support services below.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. It supports families who need extra support caring for children and is the support service for perpetrators of family violence. Phone: 1800 319 355 (north-east region specific)
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria's 24/7 family violence support service. Phone: 1800 015 188 (24 hours)
1800 RESPECT
1800RESPECT is Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Phone: 1800 737 732
Djirra
Djirra supports Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. Phone: 1800 105 303
CASA House: Centre Against Sexual Assault
CASA House is available 24/7 and provides face-to-face, telephone and online support services to victim/survivors of sexual assault. Phone: 1800 806 292
Respect Australia
Respect Victoria is the dedicated organisation for the prevention of family violence and violence against women in Victoria. Their vision is a Victoria where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
InTouch: Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
InTouch is a specialist family violence service that works with multicultural women, their families and their communities. Phone: 1800 755 988
Seniors Rights Victoria
Seniors Rights Victoria provides a free helpline for people who are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing elder abuse. Phone: 1300 368 821
Men's Referral Service
Men’s Referral Service from No to Violence offers assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence. Phone: 1300 766 491
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.
Darebin Family Violence Network
We support the family violence service response system by working closely with our regional partners, including Victoria Police and the Darebin Family Violence Network.
The Darebin Family Violence Network (DFVN) aims to raise awareness of family violence and improve service coordination and access. It includes 30 organisations that offers family violence services in Darebin and meets every two months. Find out more by emailing diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au.
Preventing violence against women and gender equity
We have a strong commitment to promoting gender equity and preventing violence against women before it happens. For more details, please visit our Gender Equity page.
More information
Contact our Gender Equity Officer
Phone: 03 8470 8498
Email: diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au
In-home support
We can give in-home support to families in crisis who need emotional support and resources. This includes emotional support and resources to parents of children under 18 years of age.
Our in-home support:
- builds on family strengths, while helping manage the challenges of everyday life
- enhances personal and family communication
- works together to identify and achieve family goals
- explores issues that may be affecting relationships
- helps families address issues such as family violence, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse
- provides practical support and parenting strategies to help families to manage challenging behaviour
- helps establish home routines that work for the family.
More information
Darebin Family Services
Phone: 0407 102 423
Email: family.services@darebin.vic.gov.au