Safer futures for families
With almost 93,000[1] incidents of family violence recorded in 2020/21 – and many more unreported – family violence is taking a heavy toll on Victorian communities.
In response to the 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence, Anglicare Victoria (AV) is playing a key role in reforming the way family violence support is delivered to Victorians.
AV runs over 20 programs that offer safe, confidential help for both victims and perpetrators of family violence, including the Beyond the Violence program which was among the few programs in Victoria identified as ‘Best Practice’ by the Royal Commission.
Since 2018, AV has worked closely with the Victorian Government and a range of community organisations to provide targeted help through The Orange Door – a series of family violence support and safety hubs located around the state.
In 2020, AV piloted an innovative program that employed a dedicated Children and Young Person’s Practice Leader at Orange Door hubs.
This highly successful program has significantly changed the way children are considered in family violence situations and will now be rolled out state-wide.
“Anglicare Victoria has been really influential in ensuring that the children’s voice is heard when we are looking at cases of family violence,”
Committed to helping to end family violence in Victoria, AV will continue to promote a holistic approach to empower families, prevent harm and support better outcomes for adults, children, and young people.
Rebuilding after family violence
Alison* came to AV through The Orange Door, seeking family violence support. She’d experienced significant family violence and trauma, including the death of her six-year-old son. As she struggled to cope, Alison’s three-year-old daughter was removed from her care.
AV provided Alison with safe, compassionate care and access to mental health and parenting support to help her recover and rebuild her life.
Alison now has a part-time job and looks forward to having her daughter returned to her care.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Helping to heal
“I want to express my appreciation for the excellent counselling offered to me by Esther through Anglicare Victoria. Esther's approach helped me on so many levels. She provided thoughtful and broad ranging supportive information and insights on topics varying from my own coping and recovery from family violence, parenting, and the intersection between my recovery and my career…It was possible to discuss harrowing content because Esther's presence was strong and anchoring, and she knew when to bring humour and normalise the conversation.”
