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Family Violence

It is against the law for anyone to hurt you or any member of your family. This includes your spouse, partner, children and in-laws. Family violence includes: 

  • any type of physical violence, such as slapping or punching
  • forcing someone to do sexual things, even if you are married
  • making threats or calling names
  • controlling contact with people outside the family
  • denying someone access to money
  • threatening or hurting pets
  • children witnessing this abuse. 

Family Violence Hurts Kids Too

It is against the law for children to be hit, see or hear violence in the home. Children and young people are scared by family violence. Children have the right to feel safe and not live in fear. Exposure to violence can cause long-term harm to children.

Women and their children who are experiencing family violence can contact the following organisations for help:

  • Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 9322 3555 / 1800 015 188 24 hour help
  • Eastern Domestic Violence Service: 9259 4200 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday
  • Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service: 8413 6800 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday
  • Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault: 9870 7330 for women, men, children and young people
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292 (AH)
  • Parentline 132 289
  • Melbourne Youth Support Service 9614 3688 or 1800 800 531
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
  • Online information for young people: www.burstingthebubble.com 

If you do not feel safe, call the police on 000. 

Planning to Leave

If you want to leave, it will be easier if you have these things with you:

  • some money
  • forms of identification
  • visa/passport
  • keys
  • medications
  • change of clothes. 

For help with leaving, please call: 

  • Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service 1800 015 188 for 24 hour help
  • Eastern Domestic Violence Service: 9259 4200 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday
  • Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault: 9870 7330  

Men's Referral Service

The Men's Referral Service helps men to make things better for themselves and their family. You can call the Men's Referral Service for help. You do not have to give your name and your information will be kept confidential.

Men's Referral Service 9428 2899 (or 1800 065 973 free call within Victoria) www.mrs.org.au The service is available from 9am-9pm Monday-Friday. The service is provided by men for for men to help stop violence in the home.

Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault 9870 7330 for women, men, children and young people who are victims/survivors of recent or past sexual assault.

Additional Services

Other organisations that can assist people experiencing family violence include: 

  • Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service 8413 6800
  • Child Protection 1300 369 536 (After Hours 131 278)
  • Homeless Crisis Line 1800 825 955 (24 hour)
  • Melbourne Youth Support Service 9614 3688 or 1800 800 531
  • Relationships Australia 9725 9964 (Croydon); 9261 8700 (Kew)
  • Centrelink Access Line 131 794
  • Lifeline 131 114
  • Mitcham Family Violence Service located at Mitcham Community House 9873 4812
  • Directline Drug Counselling 1800 888 236
  • Parentline 132 289
  • Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321
  • Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817
  • Victoria Legal Aid 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402
  • Women’s Legal Service 9642 0877
  • Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service 9419 3888 or 1800 064 865
  • Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service 9244 3333 or 1800 105 303
  • Court Support Network 1800 681 614 or 9603 7433  

For further information, visit these websites: 

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