About family violence and abuse in relationships
Family violence is a pattern of behaviour where one person tries to control or scare another person. It is a form of abuse that can happen in many different types of relationships.
LGBTIQ+ people can be at greater risk of experiencing some forms of family violence.
On this website you can learn more about:
- recognising violence and abuse in families and relationships
- reporting family violence to the police
- understanding the justice system in Victoria
- steps you can take to improve your safety.
Do you need help?
If anyone is in immediate danger or a crime is currently occurring, please call police on Triple Zero (000). If you cannot access a phone you can also go to your local police station.
Victoria Police – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Liaison Officers (known as LLOs)
LLOs provide discrete, non-judgmental advice and assistance about reporting a crime as well as information about support services to LGBTIQ+ people.
You can report a crime to any police officer in Victoria Police by contacting your local police station but, if the matter is not urgent, you can choose to speak to LLO.
Call: (03) 9247 6944 during business hours
Email: Melbourne.gllo@police.vic.gov.au
You can also visit the Victoria Police website to find out more about LLOs and find contact details for officers in your area.
There are good reasons to report violence and abuse, but if you are not ready to do that yet, or do not want to involve the police, you can still get help. Talking to a trusted person, like a counsellor, family member, doctor or friend can be a good first step and they can help you talk to the police or other services if you want them to.
Support services
Victims of Crime Helpline
If you would like confidential advice about the options available to you, you can contact the Victims of Crime Helpline.
Open: 8am–11pm, every day
Call: 1800 819 817
Text: 0427 767 891
Email: vsa@justice.vic.gov.au
Rainbow Door
Rainbow Door is a free specialist helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQ+ Victorians, their friends and family.
You can also contact Rainbow Door if you are seeking a LGBTIQ+ friendly mainstream service.
Open: every day 10am to 5pm
Call: 1800 729 367
Text: 0408 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
Website: rainbowdoor.org.au
Switchboard
Switchboard is a volunteer organisation which provides a free, confidential and anonymous telephone counselling, referral and information service for Victorian bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQ+) people and their supporters.
Switchboard partners with QLife to provide a phone and webchat service.
Open: 3pm–midnight, every day
Call: 1800 184 527
Website: switchboard.org.au or qlife.org.au
Thorne Harbour Health
A community-controlled organisation providing health services for LGBTIQ+ people, including relationship counselling.
Open:
9am–7pm, Monday
9am–9pm Tuesday to Thursday
9am–5pm Friday
Call: 1800 134 835
Website: thorneharbour.org
w/respect
A specialist LGBTIQ+ family violence service to support LGBTIQ+ people and their families affected by family violence.
w/respect is a partnership of four LGBTIQ+ specialist organisations; queerspace (supported by drummond street services), Thorne Harbour Health, Switchboard and Transgender Victoria.
Open:
9am–5pm Monday to Friday
After hours counselling 5pm–11pm Wednesday and 10am–10pm Saturday and Sunday
Call: 1800 LGBTIQ
Website: withrespect.org.au
queerspace (supported by drummond street services)
queerspace provides a safe and supportive space to obtain information and access services aimed at improving the health and well-being of LGBTIQ+ people.
Open:
9am–5pm Monday to Friday
After hours counselling 5pm–11pm Wednesday, 10am–10pm Saturday and Sunday
Call: (03) 9663 6733
Transgender Victoria (TGV)
TGV is Victoria’s leading body for trans and gender diverse advocacy. Provides service and referrals for trans and gender diverse people, their partners, families and friends.
Call: (03) 9020 4642
Website: tgv.org.au
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