At Victim Services, Support and Reform (VSSR) we value diversity, inclusion, and social justice. We are committed to treating people of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, bodily diversities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and religions with dignity and respect.
When you access VSSR programs or services, you can be confident we will provide a service that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, and questioning) community members.
VSSR programs and services are informed by Victoria’s first whole-of-government LGBTIQA+ strategy, Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022-32. The strategy provides the vision and plan to drive equality and inclusion for Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ communities within all aspects of government work.
What this means for you
When you access VSSR programs or services, you can be confident we will provide a service that is safe, inclusive, and affirming for LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, and questioning) community members.
LGBTIQA+ friendly support services
Rainbow Door
Rainbow Door is a free specialist helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family.
You can also contact Rainbow Door if you are seeking a LGBTIQA+ 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
Victoria Police
Victoria Police has over 450 LGBTIQA+ liaison officers (known as LLOs).
LLOs provide discrete, non-judgmental advice and assistance about reporting a crime as well as information about support services for LGBTIQA+ 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: LLO-Coordinator-MGR@police.vic.gov.au
You can visit the Victoria Police website to find out more about LLOs and find contact details for officers in your area.
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 (LGBTIQA+) 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 LGBTIQA+ people, including relationship counselling.
Open:
9am–7pm, Monday
9am–9pm Tuesday to Thursday
9am–5pm Friday
Call: 1800 134 835
Website: thorneharbour.org
With Respect
A specialist LGBTIQA+ family violence service to support LGBTIQA+ people and their families affected by family violence.
With Respect is a partnership of four LGBTIQA+ specialist organisations; Queerspace's 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
Queerspace provides a safe and supportive space to obtain information and access services aimed at improving the health and well-being of LGBTIQA+ people.
Open:
9am–5pm Monday to Friday
After hours counselling 5pm–11pm Wednesday, 10am–10pm Saturday and Sunday
Call: (03) 9663 6733
Website: queerspace.org.au
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 43642
Website: tgv.org.au
Image source: Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022–32, State of Victoria, Australia (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing).
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