Free From Violence - Prevention of Gendered and Family Violence

We all deserve to be safe, equal and respected.

We want our community to live free from violence. Ending family violence and violence against women, girls and gender diverse people starts with gender equality.

On average, a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every nine days. Violence by an intimate partner is the leading contributor of disability and illness in women aged 15-44. Family violence is also one of the main reasons why women and children become homeless.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Violence against women and girls can be prevented. Respect sits at the core of all safe, healthy and equal relationships. We can all be part of creating a future where disrespect, sexual harassment and violence towards women are not tolerated.

Council's commitment to ending violence

At the Rural City of Wangaratta we are committed to a vision of our community as a safe, respectful and supportive place for all – free from all forms of inequality, violence and discrimination. A life free from violence starts with equality and respect.

Local government plays a role by being an employer, a connector, a service provider, and a community leader. From the design of our facilities to the delivery of our programs, we have a role in ensuring everyone is treated with respect and that discrimination is challenged.

As an employer, we are making a commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, where assumptions are questioned and barriers are removed, to ensure equitable outcomes regardless of gender. We recognise that addressing gender inequality is crucial to better health and social wellbeing, and the prevention of violence against women.

If you are worried about someone, or need to seek help yourself, contact one of the support services below.

In an emergency or if you are or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000 for Police and/or Ambulance assistance.

The following crisis and counselling services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

  • 1800RESPECT – A 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling service for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Call 1800 737 732 or visit Home | 1800RESPECT
  • Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – A 24/7 family violence response centre, providing specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence. Call 1800 015 188 or visit Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre - 24/7 support for Victorians
  • Kids Helpline - Private and confidential phone and online counselling service for people aged 5 to 25. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au/
  • MensLine Australia - Help, support, referrals & counselling services for men via telephone, online and video. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit https://mensline.org.au.

Help and support for all people affected by family violence may also be found through the following specialist services:

  • Orange Door – A free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and need support. There are Orange Door hubs all around Victoria, and no referral is required. Visit Family violence support and extra help for children and families (orangedoor.vic.gov.au) and for contact details to your closest Orange Door service visit Locations | The Orange Door
  • Djirra – Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria – Provides legal advice, information, referral and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at immediate risk of, experiencing or recovering from family violence or sexual assault (women and men). Call 1800 105 303 or visit Djirra – Sharing stories finding solutions | A culturally safe place where culture is strengthened and practical support is available
  • With Respect 1800 LGBTIQ – Provides support for LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) people of all ages and their families experiencing difficulty in their relationships, including family violence. Call 1800 542 847or visit WithRespect
  • Rainbow Door – A free specialist helpline providing information, support and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family. This includes support for people of all ages and identities who are experiencing relationship issues, family and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse) and sexual assault. Call 1800 729 367 or visit Rainbow Door
  • Women’s Information Referral Exchange (WIRE) - a free support, referral and information service for women, non-binary and gender diverse people experiencing issues including family violence, financial abuse and housing. Call 1300 134 130 or visit Support, Referrals & Information for Victorian Women | WIRE
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line - Crisis counselling service for people who have experienced past and recent sexual assault. Call 1800 806 292 Sexual Assault Crisis Line » Sexual Assault Crisis Line (sacl.com.au)
  • Men’s Referral Service – a men’s family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service operating in Australia by No to Violence, which provides a point of contact for men taking responsibility for their violent behaviour. Call 1300 766 491 or visit NTV | What we do
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