More people experiencing family violence have access to the help and support they need in one place, closer to home, thanks to the nation-leading work of The Orange Door Network across Victoria.
The Andrews Labor Government is working to ensure Victorians have access to family violence and wellbeing services, when and where they need them, with more than 200,000 people - including more than 80,000 children - supported by the Orange Door Network since services began in 2018.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams today visited the Goulburn Orange Door in Shepparton, which since opening in 2021 has so far helped more than 9,000 people, including 3,000 children.
The Royal Commission into Family Violence found that people experiencing family violence needed a joined-up service system, where they could be quickly and easily connected with the right support at the right time.
In an Australian first, the free service brings together workers from family violence, men's, Aboriginal and child and family services to provide coordinated support for family violence and family wellbeing including crisis assistance, risk assessments, safety planning and wellbeing support.
The coordinated approach means victim survivors don't have to re-tell their story to multiple services and repeatedly re-live the trauma of their experience. It also means that families can be connected with the services and supports they need earlier, reducing the likelihood of longer-term, devastating impacts of family violence.
The network covers 14 regions across Victoria, with the remainder on track to open by the end of the year. The single intake point creates a clearer picture of the needs of those who experience family violence, so that we can better address the underpinning drivers of family violence, keep perpetrators in view and held to account.
The Labor Government has provided $448 million to roll out the landmark Orange Door network across the state. This reform forms part of more than $3.5 billion to end family violence in Victoria since the Royal Commission - more than every other state combined, and more than the Commonwealth.
The Orange Door welcomes people of any age, gender, sexuality, ability and cultural and religious background, including children and young people in their own right. It is accessible face-to-face, by phone and email. More information and contact details are available at orangedoor.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
"Every incident of family violence is preventable - with over 200,000 people, including more than 80,000 children who have received support from the Orange Door we know there is still more to do to end family violence in Victoria."
"This critical service means victim survivors don't have to re-tell their story to multiple services and navigate multiple systems in times of great stress and trauma - instead putting the focus on support, when and where they need it."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"From the Orange Door to Respectful Relationships education - we're implementing every single one of the Royal Commission's 227 recommendations because these reforms save lives."
