Experiencing family violence or childhood abuse increases a person’s risk of depression, anxiety and suicidality (AIHW, 2024)
This page aims to support health professionals and anyone experiencing family violence to access support.
Referral pathways
In cases of immediate danger or emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
Victim survivor (adult) referral pathway
Health professionals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the referral pathway for victim survivors of family violence.
The Orange Door
If it is not an emergency but you are worried someone has been affected by family violence, you can refer them to the Orange Door network. The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children and young people impacted by family violence.
It is recommended that health professionals encourage patients to call the Orange Door directly during their consultation.
For more information, or to find an Orange Door near you, visit: orangedoor.vic.gov.au/support-near-you
Frankston
Phone:
1800 319 353
Email:
bpa@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 60-64 Wells Street, Frankston 3199
Dandenong
Phone:
1800 271 170
Email:
sma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 311 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong 3175
Bentleigh
Phone:
1800 319 353
Email:
bpa@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 973 Nepean Hwy, Bentleigh VIC 3204
Hastings
Phone:
1800 319 353
Email:
bpa@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 84 Salmon St, Hastings VIC 391
Pakenham
Phone:
1800 271 170
Email:
sma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 8 John St, Pakenham VIC 3810
Cranbourne
Phone:
1800 271 170
Email:
sma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Address: 3High Street, Cranbourne VIC 3977
Out of Hours Support
Safe Steps
24/7 Crisis support for women and children who are affected by family violence
Phone: 1800 015 188
Website:
https://www.safesteps.org.au/
1800RESPECT
Counselling for people impacted by family violence, sexual assault and abuse.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website:
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Child protection: South division
To report a child or young person whose safety is at risk
Opening hours: 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone:
1300 655 795, After hours:
13 12 78
Website:
https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/child-protection
Resources for health professionals
MARAM practice guides and resources
MARAM supports workers across the service system to better understand their responsibilities to undertake risk assessment and management, including information sharing and working collaboratively. Read MARAM guides here.
Information sharing guides, templates and tools
Discover resources to help health professionals implement the Family Violence Information and Child Information Sharing schemes. Read more here.
Further reading and webinars
Health professionals can support patients experiencing family violence by reading RACGP's White Book guidelines.
If you're a health professional looking for further training or webinars, browse Safe and Equal's training page. Safe and Equal’s primary prevention training builds the capability of practitioners to engage in best practice primary prevention of family and gender-based violence, and respectful relationships education work.
Further resources
- Safe and Equal: https://safeandequal.org.au/
- Ask Izzy: https://askizzy.org.au/
- South Safe: https://southsafe.org.au/
South Eastern Melbourne PHN
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While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
SEMPHN acknowledges the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies in which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also acknowledge all First Nations peoples with whom we work. Sovereignty was never ceded!