Adults, children and families living in Barwon can now access coordinated family violence and child wellbeing services from The Orange Door network closer to home with a new access point open in Drysdale.
The Orange Door network provides access to coordinated help and support for people experiencing family violence, and for families needing support for the wellbeing and development of their children.
It brings together specialist family violence, Aboriginal and child and family services to provide crisis assistance and support, risk and needs assessment, safety planning and connection to other services.
The Orange Door in Barwon began operations in Geelong in May 2018. The network builds on the existing service system in the area and is a partnership between the Andrews Labor Government and Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV), Meli, Wathaurong Cooperative and Colac Area Health.
The Bellarine Access Point is hosted by Bellarine Community Health and includes a reception area, a private meeting room, public areas and secure staff working areas.
Since service commencement on 31 May 2018, The Orange Door Barwon has received more than 43,000 referrals and provided support to more than 36,000 people including over 14,000 children.
The Orange Door is a key recommendation of the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence and has assisted more than 387,000 people across Victoria, including more than 156,000 children, since it began in 2018. The service is now operating statewide.
Victoria is leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with $3.86 billion invested since the Royal Commission, more than every other state and territory combined.
The Orange Door network in Barwon is a free service and can be contacted on 1800 312 820 or via [email protected] from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence
"The Orange Door network was built in response to an uncoordinated and fragmented service system."
"The Andrews Labor Government is proud that the opening of the Bellarine access point completes The Orange Door network in Barwon and means Victorians across the region have access to this important and valuable service."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"The expansion of the Barwon Orange Door network will provide much needed family violence and wellbeing support for families across the Bellarine region, with a new base in Drysdale."
