Safe Steps provides specialised support for individuals facing family and domestic violence, regardless of age, gender, ability, or cultural background. We’re here to listen, understand your situation, and guide you to safety.
Support for Everyone
Experiencing Family and
Domestic Violence
Safe Steps Supports Everyone, Every Step of the Way
- Women
- Children
- People with Disabilities
- Young People
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples
- Culturally / Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- LGBTIQA+ Community
- Rural & Remote Victorians
- People Aged 65+
- Men
Women
Women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, experiencing physical, emotional, financial abuse and coercive control from current and former partners.
We know that in Australia, domestic and family violence contributes to more death, disability, and illness in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor. At Safe Steps we understand that fear, isolation and controlling partners are often key barriers preventing women from seeking help.
Safe Steps offers immediate support for all women experiencing family and domestic violence and are available 24/7 to help women find safety and navigate their options to live free of violence.
Children
Children experience family and domestic violence directly and have their own experience of the many forms of family violence abuse. A significant percentage of clients in our service are accompanied by children.
Safe Steps offers supports for children who are victims of family and domestic violence, including Children’s Support Workers and Children’s Education Workers in our Residential Services.
People with Disabilities
People with disabilities may face additional forms of abuse, including neglect, financial control, gaslighting and dependency manipulation. They often encounter significant barriers to accessing support services because of communication challenges, difficulty in understanding processes or a lack of accessible services.
We provide tailored support to ensure people with disabilities can access the help they need.
Young People
Safe Steps also provides support and services for young people (18 to 25 yrs) who are victims of family and domestic violence and are seeking help. This support may be while accompanied by a parent or guardian or provided separately.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Safe Steps affirms respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ self-determination and recognises the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in responding to family violence.
At Safe Steps we’re committed to walking alongside First Nation victim-survivors of family and domestic violence. We acknowledge that there are often
multiple barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander help-seekers accessing services and we’re committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who access our services.
Culturally / Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
Over a quarter of Safe Steps callers are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our Family Violence Crisis Specialists provide culturally sensitive support to help individuals from all backgrounds access safety and culturally appropriate supports.
Our team speak more than a dozen languages and understands the cultural sensitivities faced by culturally and linguistically diverse help-seekers experiencing family and domestic violence.
LGBTIQA+ Community
Safe Steps provides support for LGBTIQA+ people experiencing family or domestic violence. As part of our recent Rainbow Tick accreditation process, our staff are fully trained to provide a culturally safe space for LGBTIQA+ community members calling to share their experiences and seek safety.
Our Family Violence Crisis Specialists have a comprehensive understanding of the intersecting discrimination that can impact LGBTIQA+ community members experiencing violence and abuse.
Rural & Remote Victorians
Safe Steps provides support for all Victorians including people in rural and remote areas. Safe Steps works closely with local family violence services throughout the State and is able provide 24/7 crisis support for anyone needing help.
People Aged 65+
Elder abuse is a form of family and domestic violence that can include financial exploitation, neglect, or emotional manipulation by family members or
caregivers.
Older adults may be isolated or dependent on their abusers, making it harder to seek help. We provide specialised support for older individuals experiencing family and domestic violence.
Men
At Safe Steps we recognise that there are some men in the community who are also victims of domestic and family violence.
Men experiencing family and domestic violence often experience stigma and isolation attached to being a male help seeker and can experience difficulty accessing family services. At Safe Steps we provide confidential, safe, non-judgmental support for men experiencing family and domestic violence.
You’re not alone
Call us any time, day or night
Everyone Deserves
to Feel Safe
If you’re experiencing violence or feel at risk, we believe you deserve a life free from harm, no matter your circumstances. Every situation is unique, and we provide tailored support to help you take the steps you need to stay safe. Whether it’s through safety planning, crisis accommodation, or ongoing support, we’re here to help you regain control and start your journey toward a safer future.
Think you might be experiencing family and domestic violence?
Call our all-hours crisis support line for immediate, confidential support. Whether you’re in immediate danger or need help understanding your options, we’re here to assist at any time of day or night.
For those who prefer to chat, our Live Chat is available Monday to Friday from 9am to midnight (except on national and Victorian public holidays). This service connects you directly with a Family Violence Crisis Specialist who can help you assess your risk and discuss the next steps for your safety.
For non-urgent enquiries or information about our services, please contact us via phone or email. We’re here to answer your questions and provide general support.
Phone: 03 9928 9647
Email: admin@safesteps.org.au
Media enquiries: media@safesteps.org.au
Support for Safe Steps enquiries including donations and fundraising enquiries: fundraising@safesteps.org.au
General marketing and communications enquiries: comms@safesteps.org.au
Safe Steps respectfully acknowledges and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and pays respects to their Elders of past, current and future generations.
Safe Steps is committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our clients and our staff. We are committed to a focus on recognising and eliminating discrimination in the services we deliver. Read our Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Statement here.
Safe Steps is committed to creating and maintaining a Child Safe Organisation; ensuring obligations to meet the Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme requirements, as codified by the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic). You can read more about this commitment in our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy here.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is supported by the Victorian Government.
