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Family violence
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Information about where you can get help or find someone to talk to about family violence. Includes general family violence supports, and those tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
If you are fearful or feel unsafe or know someone who maybe experiencing family violence call 000 if in immediate danger or call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 for advice 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  

General support services in Geelong

  • The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre03 5222 43189:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays)plus 24hour crisis response. Support for all people impacted by sexual assault and support for women children and young people impacted by family violence. People of any age gender sexuality culture and ability are welcome.
  • The Orange Door1800 312 8209:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) People of any age gender sexuality culture and ability are welcome.
  • Bethany Community Support03 5278 81229:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday Programs counselling and support to people experiencing family violence and those wishing to change behaviour.
  • Barwon Community Legal Service1300 430 5999:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday Provides free legal help to people experiencing or who have experienced family violence. Assistance with Family Violence Intervention Orders and advice on related legal issues i.e. parenting arrangements child support issues with housing Centrelink fines or debts separation or divorce

Tailored support services

  • Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op03 5277 00449:00am – 5:00pm Monday - Friday Family health and community services programs support counselling and case management.
  • Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Womens Service03 9403 94009:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and to 4:00pm Friday Refuge accommodation and specialist family violence services to Aboriginal women and their children. Support also extends to parents of Aboriginal children as well as partners and ex-partners of Aboriginal people.
  • Djirra1800 105 3039:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday Djirra will provide both telephone and face-to-face legal and non-legal support to Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence.
  • Burndawan  (Wadawurrung for safe) Web Based resource to help with decisions about your relationship. Burndawan is a resource created with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Wadawurrung Country. It is designed for Aboriginal people who would like information or support about harmful behaviours from a partner or family member.
  • Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)1800 064 8655:00pm to 9:00am Monday - Friday plus after hours on-call VALS has an on-call after-hours service which is provided through the Preston office.
  • Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency(03) 9742 8300Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm For family violence outreach child focused family violence service family violence case management and brokerage for flexible support packages.