Family Violence Prevention and Support

Family Violence Prevention and Support.png

QUICK EXIT

Call 000 in an emergency or if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Family violence is a serious issue that affects communities, workplaces, families and individuals. It can occur in many different forms and can affect people in different ways.

Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to the prevention of all forms of violence, including family violence and gender-based violence. We strive for a community that is safe, equal and respectful.

Family violence can affect people of all ages and genders. Statistically, women are more likely to experience violence than any other gender. Evidence shows that women with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ and gender diverse people, pregnant women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, older women, First Nations women, women with mental illness and affected by substance abuse are more likely to experience violence.

Everyone has an important role to play in the prevention of violence.

To find out more about the different forms of violence, visit: https://safeandequal.org.au/understanding-family-violence/forms/

Responding to disclosures of family violence

Call 000 in an emergency or if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Responding to disclosures of family violence can be difficult to navigate. In any disclosure situation it is important to:

  • Employ active listening, without interrupting.
  • Show that you believe what they are telling you.
  • Let them know they have done the right thing by telling you.
  • Take their concerns seriously.
  • Emphasise that they are not to blame for their experience.
  • Be clear about limits to confidentiality (if any), e.g. you may have a legal obligation to share information with others if there is an immediate risk of harm, or if the person making the disclosure is under the age of 16, or if you are a mandatory reporter.
  • Provide information on how the disclosure will be treated and how you will support them.
  • Offer to be with them if they choose to reach out to a support service – and be prepared for the fact that they may not wish to access a support service at that time. Sometimes, a person experiencing violence much just want you to know and understand that this has occurred, and may not be seeking assistance.

When you are supporting someone who may be experiencing family violence, it can be emotionally challenging, so be sure to take care of yourself and your well-being. Set healthy boundaries and if you feel as though you require extra support, reach out to a confidential service, like 1800 RESPECT.

For more information on responding to disclosures, visit: https://safeandequal.org.au/working-in-family-violence/prevention/disclosures/

QUICK EXIT

Contacts

Call 000 in an emergency or if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

The Orange Door (Horsham) - family violence support and extra help children and families

Phone: 1800 354 322
Email: wimmera@orangedoor.vic.gov.au

support available in Nhill – call for more information

1800 RESPECT - for 24/7 confidential phone counselling and referrals for family violence and sexual violence support

Phone: 1800 737 732

Safe Steps - a 24/7 family violence response centre providing women with emergency accommodations, counselling and other support services

Phone: 1800 015 188
Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au

Lifeline - a 24/7 confidential crisis support and suicide prevention service

Phone: 13 11 14
Text:  0477 131 114

Headspace – support for people aged under 25 years

Phone: 1800 271 042
Email: info.headspacehorsham@vt.uniting.org

Mensline – a free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress and wellbeing

Phone: 1300 789 978

InTouch – services, programs and responses to family violence in migrant and refugee communities

Phone: 1800 755 988

Seniors Rights Victoria – a free helpline for people experiencing, or who know someone who is experiencing elder abuse

Phone: 1300 368 821

Rainbow Door - free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline for information, referral and support

Phone: 1800 729 367
Text: 0480 017 246

Djirra – practical support for all Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence

Phone: 1800 105 303

QUICK EXIT

Back to top