In an emergency, dial 000.
Who is affected by family violence?
Family violence can affect people of all genders, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
It can occur between current or former spouses; current or former de facto partners; parents and children; siblings; grandparents and grandchildren; against elders; in LGBTIQA+ relationships; between relations according to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship rules; within shared households; and against pets.
Family violence also harms children’s health and wellbeing.
What support is available?
In an emergency, dial 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available. These free services will listen and help you explore your options.
1800 512 359
57 View Street, Bendigo
Adults, children and young people’s family violence services, child and family services, Aboriginal services, and services for people who use violence.
Connection to counselling, accommodation, mental health and drug and alcohol services, financial help, legal assistance, access to funding for basic living expenses, and more.
1800 884 292
96-98 Pall Mall, Bendigo (take the lift or stairs to reception on Level 3)
Family violence services and recovery programs for women and children experiencing family violence and/or homelessness, and support for men who use violence.
1800 737 732 (24 hrs, 7 days)
National counselling helpline, information, and support.
5441 0430
71 Bridge Street, Bendigo
Counselling, advocacy, and support for people who have experienced a recent or historical sexual assault.
1800 806 292
(24 hrs, 7 days)
Support for people who have experienced past or recent sexual assault.
1800 819 817
Specialist advice for LGBTIQ+ people and their friends and families.
1800 105 303
Culturally safe family violence and legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
1800 755 988
Tailored support for women from migrant and refugee communities experiencing family violence, available in many languages.
1300 368 821
Support for older people experiencing or at risk of family violence and elder abuse.
1800 55 1800 (24 hrs, 7 days)
Online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.
1300 766 491
Support for men and their family and friends.
1300 789 978 (24 hrs, 7 days)
Counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns.
What if I’m concerned about someone I know?
Provide a safe and private place where you can have a conversation. Ask open-ended questions such as ‘How are things at home?’ and share your observations using non-judgemental language and expressions.
If someone tells you that they are being impacted by family violence:
- Listen without interruption or judgement.
- Believe them.
- Reassure them that the violence is not their fault and is never okay.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Provide information that will support them to make their own choices about what happens next.
For example: "Thank you for sharing your experience with me. No one should have to experience what you have been through. What you choose to do with this information is up to you, but there are support services you can contact if you need to. Can I provide you with contact details?"