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Geelong: 03 5222 4318 Wimmera: 03 5381 1211 Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 Hours): 1800 806 292 Safe Steps (24 Hours): 1800 015 188
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We are open and here to support you

Our service is open and remains available to support people impacted by sexual assault and women, children and young people experiencing family violence.

While our method of supporting clients has changed from face to face to phone support during the current pandemic, our commitment to safety and wellbeing remains the same.

We encourage people who need assistance to reach out. We know how difficult making the first contact can be. We assure you we are here to help and have capacity to respond.

When you contact our service we will ask you about your current situation, talk to you about any safety concerns or risks you are facing, and help you to decide what support you would like. You can phone during business hours to receive information, talk to one of our Counsellor Advocates or Case Managers and discuss strategies and help available.

It’s important that you feel safe enough to call us, as people who use violence may escalate their behaviour suddenly if they find out you are reaching out for help. If you are worried that your call will be overheard, we encourage you to:

  • Create a reason to leave the house – going to the supermarket or the pharmacy and call while you are out.
  • Contact trusted family and friends and set up a code word that you can text them in case you need them to contact the police on your behalf.
  • Email us and one of our specialist practitioners will contact you as soon as possible. We will call you from a private number and if you can’t answer, we will leave a non-descriptive message. Remember to delete the email you send us from your sent folder.

You do not have to be in a high risk situation to access our service. Emotional abuse, control and fear can be just as harmful as other forms of abuse. We are waiting to receive your call.

We are here to help and are committed to ensuring your safety and wellbeing.

Where to get support

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000

For Barwon support

For Wimmera support

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.

© 2024 The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre.

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