Working together to reduce family violence
Family violence remains an unacceptable presence in our community. It is a significant issue with devastating consequences for the individual victims and their families.
The government is working actively to address family violence by investing in a comprehensive reform program that involves police, courts, government departments and agencies and the services sector working together.
Maxine Morand
Minister for Women’s Affairs and lead Minister on family violence reform
A Right to Respect: Victoria’s Plan to Prevent Violence against Women 2010 –2020
All women have the right to live free from violence. However, to achieve this right, not only do individual perpetrators of violence need to be held accountable, but the attitudes and social norms which condone or excuse violence must be challenged.
A Right to Respect, Victoria’s Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women, is a coordinated, whole-of-community framework that contains a comprehensive range of strategies to promote non violence, gender equity and respectful relationships throughout the community – for example in homes, workplaces, on the sporting field, and in schools.
Family violence - the facts
Family violence is an immense social problem with its biggest impact being on women and children. Read the facts here.
The Victorian Government has launched a $1.5 million campaign to raise public awareness of new family violence laws.
The Family Violence Protection Act 2008, which came into force on 8 December, makes perpetrators more accountable for their actions and offers increased protection for women and children who are victims of family violence.
The public awareness campaign, using the tagline “Family Violence. Victoria has had Enough”, promotes the new laws and raises public awareness of family violence.
Seek Help
If you need help there are a number of telephone numbers you can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or services you can visit.
Contact the Women’s’ Domestic Violence Crisis Service (WDVCS) on 1800 015188.
If you are, or you know someone who is, in immediate danger call the police 000.
The Men's Referral Service is an anonymous and confidential telephone service provided for men by men. Phone 9428 2899 or STD Freecall 1800 065 973 from 12 noon to 9:00pm Monday to Friday.
Taking action to stop family violence - the Government's reform agenda
Everyone has a right to feel safe within their family and our goal is to improve the safety of women and children and increase the accountability of men who are violent. Read more about what the Government is doing to stop family violence.
Risk factors and family violence
The risk factors in family violence are not well understood. The Government has, therefore, developed a Family Violence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework. Find out more about the framework.
Gathering evidence
We are gathering detailed family violence data and comparing it to previous time periods to measure and improve our performance.
Find out more here.
What's happening in my community?
Our success in reducing Family Violence depends on the important work being undertaken by a large number of organisations in our community. Check the calendar of events.
If you have an initiative you would like promoted on this site please email us.
New awards have been launched to promote the media's role in eliminating family violence. Find out more about
If you have any feedback about the family violence website please email us.
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