Escaping Family Violence: 24-Hour Support Available

Did you know that there are 24-hour, state-wide services available to help you find a safe place to stay if you are escaping family violence? Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

About Family Violence
Family violence occurs in family, domestic, or intimate relationships and includes:
• Physical injury
• Sexual assault
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Financial control
• Social isolation
Since July 2006, funded family violence services have worked together to provide a more integrated response to family violence.
How to Get Help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000 and ask for police. For those escaping family violence, help is available from the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. They can be reached 24 hours a day at 1800 015 188. The service will assess your safety needs, arrange emergency or crisis accommodation if necessary, and link you with local family violence support services.
You can also visit an Orange Door in your area. The Orange Door is a free service for adults, children, and young people experiencing or having experienced family violence, as well as families needing extra support with child care. More information is available on the Orange Door website.
For additional resources, including mental health, youth, relationship, and alcohol and drug services, visit the Housing Vic website.
Applying for Housing
You may apply for social housing through the Victorian Housing Register, which includes public and community housing. The register has two categories:

Register of Interest: For those who do not meet the Priority Access criteria but seek to live in social housing.
For more information, visit the Escaping Family Violence | Homes Victoria website.

Priority Access: For individuals who are homeless and receiving support, escaping family violence, have a disability, or need to move for health reasons.