Rising Above The Violence

Anglicare Victoria’s work covers many different aspects of family violence. Programs cover the spectrum from prevention to support for survivors and referrals to the Victorian Government through The Orange Door program, which was set up as part of its response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence. Many of AV’s programs such as

family services and financial counselling also have assisted those affected by violence in the home. As well as the essential role of supporting women and children fleeing violence, programs such as Caring Dads, A Better Way and our men’s behaviour change programs try to break the cycle of abuse by working with those responsible.

“Anglicare Victoria has helped me a lot. I’ve never felt judged. They helped make sure my house was safe for my son to return. They got me into mental health support to process my trauma, gave me parental support and connected me with local support programs.” – Jane*, family services client

 

A common thread to all of these approaches is helping men realise that using violence in the home is a choice – and that choice has a profound impact on those they care about. The key to change is understanding that the responsibility for your actions is separate from anything that other people do,

whether partners, children or anyone else. AV supported approximately 2000 people with specialist family violence programs in 2021/22, and many thousands more through other areas such as family services, The Orange Door and financial counselling. Financial counsellors regularly help women leaving relationships whose partners continue to control their finances.

“All violence is about control; about someone trying to control someone else and various methods of doing that. Whether it’s physical violence, emotional abuse or limiting someone’s financial capabilities or contact with support networks and friends, it’s all connected. The program helps us to recognise what violence is and what parts of our behaviour contribute to that.”– Steve*, Men’s Behaviour Change program participant.

The Orange Door brings together specialist staff from a range of organisations, working together to provide essential support for women, children, young people and families experiencing family violence. This includes supporting perpetrators of family violence, families in need, as well as the wellbeing of infants, children and young people.

“When people come to The Orange Door, they are in crisis. Our role is to identify the family’s needs and ensure we can provide the most appropriate service. We work with the family by going on that journey with them.” – Vicki Levey, Regional Director Gippsland

The 2022 Annual report can be found on our website.

To request a hard copy of this report, call us on 1800 809 722.

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