Family violence is a common issue affecting Australian families, including infants, children and young people.

Exposure to any form of family violence can be very damaging to a child's health and wellbeing.

That's why the RCH says ‘No’ to family violence. Our hospital is a safe place, where violence and aggression are unacceptable. Many of our patient-facing staff have been specially trained in family violence, so if you need help, you can speak to us.

For information on what family violence is, how it can affect children and ways you can help, see our fact sheet Family violence – effects on children’s health.

Health professionals may be interested in our Family Violence Clinical Practice Guidelines. 

Family Violence Support Services

Crisis response

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call police on 000.

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

1800 RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It is a confidential online and telephone counselling, information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188

The Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is a 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone service providing support, information and accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. This is a crisis service to access refuges and only provides support to women, young people and children.

Children's service

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24 hours a day, 7 days a week phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Men's service

No To Violence Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491

No To Violence incorporates the Men’s Referral Service (NTV/MRS) and works with men to end family violence. NTV/MRS provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for men in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. They provide a translator service if English is not a caller’s first language. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Specialist services - Including: ATSI, CALD, LGBTQI+, Disability

The Orange Door is a free support service for adults, children and young people who have or are experiencing family violence and families who need extra support with the care of their children. Available Monday to Friday from 9 am-5 pm.

Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Service 03 9403 9400

EMH provides specialist Family Violence support to Aboriginal women and their children who are currently experiencing or have experienced family violence.  

Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence and Legal Service 1800 105 303

Djirra is a culturally safe place providing practical support to all Aboriginal women, particularly those who are currently experiencing family violence or have in the past. Available Monday to Friday from 9.00am – 5.00pm.

inTouch Multicultural Service 1800 755 988

inTouch is a Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, which provides services, programs and responses to issues of family violence in migrant and refugee communities. Available Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm.

WithRespect 1800 LGBTIQ (1800 542 847)

WithRespect supports people in LGBTIQ communities and their families affected by family violence. Available Monday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 9.00am – 8.00pm.

Thorne Harbour Health (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840

Thorne Harbour Health runs ReVisioning – a group where gay, bisexual or queer men (including cisgender or trans men) can learn about breaking patterns of violent, abusive or controlling behaviours. Available Monday 9.00am – 7.00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 9.00am – 9.00pm, Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Legal Services

Victoria Legal Aid 1300 792 387

Provides information about the law and how legal aid can assist. Available Monday to Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Women’s Legal Service Victoria 03 8622 0600 (Metro Melbourne) or 1800 133 302 (Regional)

Support for women experiencing family violence or relationship breakdown. Available Tuesday and Thursday 5:30pm – 7:30pm.