Family violence
Domestic violence (often called 'family violence') can include physical, verbal, sexual or emotional abuse. Children who witness regular acts of violence have greater emotional and behavioural problems than other children. Even very young children can be profoundly frightened and affected.
Contrary to popular belief, witnessing episodes of violence between people they love can affect young children as much as if they were the victims of the violence.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides support services for people who have experienced violence and offers violence prevention programs through the following services:
- Family Violence Prevention and Support Services – early intervention services and post-crisis support
- Indigenous Family Violence Strategy (IFVS) - a community led initiative to develop a whole of government response to family violence in Indigenous communities. It is jointly managed by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), DHS, and the Office of Women's Policy
- Men's behaviour change programs – promoting the safety of women and children and helping men to be accountable and responsible to family members, and encouraging change in men’s behaviour
- Sexual Assault Support Services - include crisis care responses, counselling, casework, group-work, advocacy and a statewide after-hours telephone crisis service
- Sexually Abusive Behaviour Treatment Services - for children and young people under the age of 15 years who display problem sexual behaviour or sexually abusive behaviour towards others
- Court advocacy and referral – for women seeking intervention orders and support to children to improve their coping skills
Services provided include individual counselling, specialised support groups and referral services. These services aim to promote early intervention strategies to prevent the occurrence or escalation of family violence, and prevent future occurrences of family violence by offering post crisis support.
Family Violence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework training
Family Violence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework (also known as the common risk assessment framework or CRAF) training was developed to increase the capacity of professionals, such as health workers, family violence service providers and court workers, to more effectively identify and respond to women and children experiencing family violence.
Men's behaviour change programs
Men's behaviour change programs play an important role in promoting the safety of women and children. These programs focus on making men accountable and responsible for their violence toward family members. The purpose of these programs is to encourage the change process in men's behaviour and they provide a forum for exploring and challenging beliefs.
- Family Violence - Housing Assistance
Department of Human Services funded family violence services have been working in partnership to provide a more integrated response to family violence.
- Family Violence Regional Integration coordinators contacts
Family Violence Regional Integration coordinators contact information.
