Trigger warning: this story talks about family violence.
Abuse is never ok. Everyone deserves to feel safe from family and domestic violence.
Family violence in Victoria is continuing to increase. One-third of all homicide incidents are attributed to family or domestic violence (July 2018 – June 2023)*.
As the financial year draws to a close, we once again ask our valued supporters for help to continue providing and expanding our 24/7 crisis line and accommodation services. Your support allows us to better assist Victorians experiencing family or domestic violence—tonight and every night.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is the only statewide 24/7 crisis response service delivering support and pathways to safety for all people experiencing domestic and family violence in Victoria. We conduct risk assessments and safety planning, and for those deemed at the highest risk, provide pathways into emergency and supported accommodation services including refuges and motels across Victoria.
Each year, we handle 150,000 calls for help and provide over 35,000 bed nights in secure accommodation. One of these calls came from Emma*, who needed help escaping her abusive husband. She connected with us via webchat, and our Family Violence Specialist supported her in creating a safety plan and leaving.
Emma was provided with safe crisis accommodation while she explored her options. Her Safe Steps Case Manager supported Emma to apply for a family violence intervention order and provided contact details for counselling support and financial assistance programs.
Learn more about Emma’s story.
With your tax-deductible donation*, you can ensure that anyone experiencing family or domestic violence, just like Emma, has someone to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please consider making a one-time or regular donation to help fund our critical family and domestic violence crisis services.
Every bit counts.
Any person who is worried about their safety – or the safety of someone else – can contact Safe Steps, at any time, by calling 1800 015 188, emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au or through webchat at safesteps.org.au/chat (Monday – Friday, 9am- midnight, except public holidays).
* Family Violence Dashboard | Crime Statistics Agency Victoria
*All names have been changed to protect the identity and privacy of victim-survivors.
* Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
