What is Family Violence?
Violence is defined as any act which makes another person feel fearful, unsafe and not in control of their own destiny.
Family violence can include physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, verbal and financial abuse. It can occur in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. Family violence is predominantly, but not exclusively, perpetrated by men against women and children.
Berry Street offers family violence support services assisting women, LGBTIQ+ people and children to remain safely within their community wherever possible and maintain a life free of violence, while also addressing their emotional and practical needs and issues arising from the violence. It occurs in all ethnic & cultural groups, in all kinds of relationships & families, including heterosexual & same-sex relationships & against older people and people with a disability.
Find out more about Berry Street Family Violence support services >
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, the following services provide help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Emergency
Call 000 and speak to the police if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
Nationwide
Call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
24-hour, national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.
Victoria-wide
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre:
1800 015 188 or (03) 9322 3555
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
Men's Referral Service: 1800 065 973
The Family Violence crisis in Victoria
Every month Berry Street receives over 1000 family violence referrals from Victoria Police to assist women and children.
Family violence referrals to Berry Street have more than doubled in the past 3 years.
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to have behavioural and emotional problems.