About Us

Our Story

A client-centred organisation established in 1978, we continue to grow, delivering integrated specialist response, early intervention, education and prevention services and programs.

Supporting the Victorian community throughout Barwon, Wimmera, and the South West regions, we offer a specialist range of support services to all people impacted by sexual and family violence, encompassing 24 hour crisis response, case management, therapeutic counselling and group programs, early intervention programs, refuge and housing support, legal services, professional training and primary prevention initiatives. We also provide specialised support for all victims of crime through the Victims Assistance Program for Barwon and the South West.

Working across multiple sites and locations, including co-location within the Barwon Multi-Disciplinary Centre, The Orange Doors in Barwon and the South West, outpost locations and within the locally known service Emma House in Warrnambool, our unique combination of services allows us to respond to those that need us, supporting them throughout their journey toward recovery and resilience, while also educating and working with our communities for gender equality to prevent violence from happening in the first place.

We are committed to our vision for a community free from sexual assault and family violence, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights. Our values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration and Commitment unite us, guiding our decisions and actions in our roles, every day.

Our clients are at the centre of all we do.

Our experienced staff work closely with anyone who has experienced sexual assault or family violence in supporting their recovery; to alleviate the negative impacts of violence on their lives; and create opportunities for them to rebuild their sense of control. We also work with anyone else affected, including family, friends and support people.

Our vision

Our vision is for a community free from sexual assault and family violence, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights.

Our philosophy

The perpetration of sexual assault and family violence is never acceptable. It is a violation of human rights and a crime against individuals and society. Sexual assault and family violence are whole of community concerns and it is the responsibility of the whole community to actively work towards prevention and elimination.
Everyone who has experienced sexual assault or family violence has the right to be supported in their recovery and to have their experiences of abuse heard and acknowledged.

Our purpose

We aim to:

• Provide services underpinned by a feminist philosophy that are empowering, respectful and inclusive, and which address barriers to service access.
• Provide high-quality, sensitive and responsive services to women and children who have experienced and been impacted by family violence and to people who have experienced and been impacted by sexual assault.
• Design and implement effective evidence-based prevention of violence against women and gender equality programs and initiatives.
• Contribute to the evidence base and social policy frameworks which inform effective service provision.
• Contribute to the systematic and social change necessary to eliminate family violence and sexual assault.