Thinking about safety

Home: Survivors: Family Violence: Violence against women

If you do not have somewhere safe to go, one place you can contact is the women's domestic violence crisis service. They will try to help you find accommodation. They will also be able to give you information about government housing and how to apply for social security.

You should try and take all your important papers with you such as your passport, property titles, marriage certificate, birth certificate, bank books and so on as you will need them in the future.

If you do decide to leave home it is very important to discuss your legal rights and obligations, especially to do with children and housing, with your solicitor, local community legal service or Victoria legal aid.

Contacting a support service

A wide range of services exist to assist women who have experienced violence or are in violent situations.

Support services can provide information about housing, counselling, financial matters, telephone counselling and outreach workers.

Some of these services are specialist services to assist people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. They will provide support, counselling, advice and referral.

Some examples of these services are:

Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA)

A CASA is a service that provides support to those who have experienced sexual violence. The support provided includes: 24 hour crisis support to recent victims of sexual assault; telephone and face to face counselling for recent and past victims of sexual assault; information provision and support in the management of police reports and subsequent legal procedures.

Refuges

Women's refuges provide safe and secure accommodation in a homelike environment for women and children escaping violence. In addition, workers provide support and advocacy. Refuges can be contacted through the women's domestic violence crisis service of Victoria.

Domestic Violence Resource Centre (DVRC)

The DVRC is a service which provides specialist support, information and referral to women and children who have experienced domestic violence or incest.

Outreach workers

Domestic violence outreach workers are available throughout the state. Their role is to provide support, advocacy and information to women and children who are experiencing or have experienced violence from family members.

Sponsor

Council Against Violence

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 13 Oct 2009