A new service to support victims of family violence will soon be available in the Mitchell Shire.
An access point for The Orange Door, a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children, will be set up in the Mitchell Shire.
Mitchell Shire is ranked at number 10 out of 79 Victorian councils for family violence incidents.
Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams announced the new access point would help people speak directly to workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal and men’s services.
Mitchell Shire Council, who has strongly advocated for better family violence services in the shire, applauded the announcement.
Mitchell Shire Mayor David Lowe said council had been advocating to both the state and federal governments for increased mental health and family violence support services for the shire.
“Ensuring our community, and the communities that surround Mitchell Shire, is adequality supported with specialist services is absolutely critical to us at council. We will continue to fight for a Victoria free from violence,” he said.
“By coming together with other community leaders, we hope to spark the conversation and ensure we highlight the damage family violence can cause.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of The Orange Door. Having an access point in Mitchell Shire is a big step towards some solutions, however, this is just the first step of our long journey.”
To coincide with the announcement, council is working in partnership with police, Nexus Primary Health, Lower Hume PCP, Family Care, Women’s Health Goulburn North East, North Central Review and Kilmore District Hospital to deliver the Respect Each Other: Call It Out campaign.
The campaign, from June 15 to 29, is focused on continued calls to localise family violence support and steps for people to take when a home becomes unsafe.
People who need help or support can access the following services:
Safe Steps (24/7 Family Violence Response Line): 1800 015 188;
1800 RESPECT (24/7 sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service): 1800 737 732;
Nexus Primary Health: 1300 773 352;
Men’s Referral Service (24/7 professional support and information service for Australian men): 1300 466 491;
Seniors Rights Victoria – 1300 368 821; Available from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday. For more information on Seniors Rights Victoria, visit www.seniorsrights.org.au.
