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Have you been impacted by family violence

Experiencing abuse, violence or controlling behaviour in any relationship is scary. It is hard to know what to do or where to get help. It is even harder when the person using violence against you is someone you care about and is someone who is supposed to care about you. But there is support available.

We offer case management, crisis care, and counselling and a range of groups. For women leaving family violence we can assist with access to crisis accommodation and referrals to refuge.

You do not need a referral from anyone to access our services, we provide support and assistance to women and children experiencing family violence and 24 hour crisis care support. For immediate assistance contact us on (03) 5222 4318. If you require our immediate support outside of business hours please call Safe Steps 1800 015 188.

You could also consider telling someone you trust and ask for their help – a friend, family member or neighbour.

Always call the police on 000 in an emergency.


If you’re worried about your own relationship, we have compiled a short list of characteristics that an abuser usually demonstrates before physical, mental or financial abuse begins:

  • Criticises you on small mishaps
  • Must know where you are at all times
  • Controls your every move. Examples include: not allowing you to visit your family or being at work outside work hours
  • Gets angry when you do something out of routine
  • Controls your finances
  • Embarrasses you in front of other people
  • Takes away things you value
  • Threatens you
  • Tends to blame you for their behaviour
  • Forces you into activities you do not wish to do
  • Very jealous
  • Easily angered on small incidents
  • May tend to be mean to others such as animals or people
  • Tends to act out instead of discuss their emotions.

Typically, before physical violence occurs an abuser may show these characteristics:

  • Shouting/yelling
  • Clenched fists
  • Pacing
  • Facial expressions that show deep anger/rage
  • Family violence is a serious situation and if you feel as if you may be experiencing it or know for sure, then you should contact specialist resources and help. It may be difficult for you to leave the situation and you main need support to do so.

If you need protection

An intervention order is a special court order to protect you from family violence and is made by a magistrate in a Magistrates’ Court and sets rules for the violent person.


Safety Planning

If you have experienced abuse or violence from a partner, someone who cares for you, or a family member, your safety is a priority. You will already be doing many things to keep safe and a safety plan can help too.
More information about making a safety plan, legal protection and technology safety can be found at Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria.

 

Important phone numbers

In an emergency
Police 000

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre
(03) 5222 4318
For support and information during business hours

Safe Steps
1800 015 188
For support and information outside business hours (including refuge)

Lifeline
13 11 14
When you feel like you aren’t coping and you need somebody to talk to

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land we stand on. We are committed to working toward creating a community where all people indigenous and non-indigenous are safe, connected and empowered to live well. The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre recognises the diverse needs of our community and we ensure our services are inclusive of all children, young people and their families including those who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ and persons living with disability. We work collaboratively with people and partner organisations who also support our diverse client group. Interpreter and translator services are available to all our clients upon request.

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