Understanding Family Violence & Referring to Support
Definition
Family violence, also known as domestic violence or abuse is any abusive behaviour that is used to control someone in a family, family-like or intimate relationship, and makes that person afraid for their safety and wellbeing or the safety of another person. If a child witnesses abusive behaviour or is exposed to the impacts of this, they are a victim of family violence in their own right (Safe and Equal) Family violence is complex. It can take many forms and is caused by a number of factors. But one thing is clear, it has a significant and harmful impact on the community.
Ending family violence in our community is long-term work, and everyone has a role to play. We need to develop a shared understanding of this issue to address it.
For information on understanding what Family Violence is, the impacts it has, the different forms it takes, and more, go to Safe+Equal’s web page on Understanding Family Violence.
The Judicial College of Victoria also has further information on power and control, and coercive control on their page Understanding
Family Violence.
To identify Family Violence, go to Safe+Equal’s web page on Identifying, assessing and managing Risk.
You can also refer to the legal definition of Family Violence as per the Family Violence Protection Act (2008) Section 5.
Referring to Family Violence Support
Agency: The Ovens Murray Area Orange Door
The Orange Door is the entry point for people seeking family violence or family services support in the Ovens Murray Region. The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or using family violence, or families who need extra support with the care of children.
The Orange Door brings together practitioners from specialist family violence services, child wellbeing services, Aboriginal services and services for people who use violence. The Orange Door provides initial assessment and support, as well as intake to longer-term victim survivor services, family services, men’s services or referral to the broader service system where needed.
The Orange Door Ovens Murray Area is located in Wangaratta with an access point in Wodonga and provides support to people in
the local government areas of Alpine, Benalla, Indi, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga.
Contact
Telephone: 1800 271 157
Email: oma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 60 Reid Street, Wangaratta Victoria 3677 or 27-29 Stanley Street, Wodonga Victoria 3690
Any individual can directly call, email or visit their local Orange Door in person. The Orange Door welcomes people of any age, gender,
sex, sexuality, culture, religion, ability or migration status, including if you are a refugee or do not have permanent residency.
You should contact the Orange Door if:
- someone close to you is hurting you, controlling you or making you feel afraid – such as your partner, family member, carer or parent(s)
- you are a child or young person who doesn’t feel safe or have what you need to be OK
- you are worried about the safety of a friend or family member
- you need more support with the care of children, e.g. due to money issues, illness, addiction, grief, mental health, conflict or behavioural issues
- you are worried about the safety of a child or young person
- you need help to change your behaviour and stop using violence in your relationships
Further information about the Orange Door can be found here.
If you identify as female and need after hours support, contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
People of all genders who need counselling, information or support regarding family violence, including after hours, can contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
If you are in immediate danger contact the Police on 000.