Support services for women, children and young people
This page shares a comprehensive list of support services available, both locally and state-wide. Most services are available to support people from a range of diverse communities and cultural identities.
Support is available to every member of our community 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
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.
Translating and Interpreting Service If you need an interpreter call 131 450 or visit the Translating and Interpreting Service website for more information. The National Relay Service is available as a phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. Its available 24 hours a day 7 days a week Australia-wide. All calls are confidential.
- TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 366 356
- Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 366 356
- For SMS relay use 0423 677 767
- For Internet Relay calls visit the Make an Internet Relay call page and use this number: 1300 366 356
- For Captioned Relay calls visit the Make a captioned relay call page and use this number: 1300 366 356.
Geelong based support services
- 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.
Phone and web-based services
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre1800 015 188 or 03 9322 355524 hours 7 days Support accommodation emergency accommodation and case management.
- 1800 RESPECT1800 737 73224 hours 7 days Information counselling and support.
- Sexual Assault Crisis Line1800 806 2925:00pm to 9:00am 7 days After hours confidential telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
- Womens Information Referral Exchange Inc (WIRE)1300 134 1309:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday Free support referral and information for all Victorian women non-binary and gender-diverse people.
Support for young people
- Barwon Child Youth and Family (BCYF)03 5226 89001800 825 955 (after hours homelessness support)9:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday BCYF has a number of supports for young people aged 12 to 25 who are needing help in areas including mental health homelessness and family reconciliation.
- Kids Helpline1800 551 80024 hours 7 days No matter the reason contact anytime.
- Headspace 03 5222 66909:00am to 5:00pm Monday - FridayeHeadspace 9:00am to 1:00am 7 days Free online and phone support and counselling to young people 12 to 25 years and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time they can help.
Emotional mental health and wellbeing support
- Beyond Blue1300 224 63624 hours 7 days Support information and advice.
- Bethany Community Support03 5278 81229:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday Programs counselling and support to people experiencing family violence and those wishing to change behaviour.
- Barwon Health Mental Health Services1300 094 18724 hours 7 days The ACCESS Team assist people who may have a complex or serious mental illness and are in crisis.
- ParentLine13 22 898:00am to midnight 7 days (includes public holidays) Telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years.
- LifeLine Australia13 11 1424 hours 7 days Crisis support. Suicide prevention.
- Gamblers Help1800 858 85824 hours 7days For counselling and support services related to gambling.
- DirectLine 1800 888 23624 hours 7 days Information counselling and referral for alcohol and drug issues.