You have the right to live free from family violence.

What is safe steps?safe steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s statewide first response service for women and children experiencing family violence. We help women and children to escape family violence and live free from abuse.

If you or someone you know needs help…Call safe steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 for confidential support and information.Translator services are available.

safe steps is an LGBTIQA-friendly and culturally-respectful service. We are committed to helping all women (including transgender women and transfeminine-identifying individuals) and children of all ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, religions, ages and physical abilities.

For further information, visit safesteps.org.au

Family violence is never okIf you are experiencing family violence you may feel scared, confused or overwhelmed – this is a normal reaction.

It is important to remember that abuse in a relationship is never ok, regardless of the circumstances. The abusive person may make excuses for being violent or blame you for how they act. But the violence is not your fault. The responsibility for violence always lies with the abuser.

Family Violence Response Centre

• Respond • Prevent • Recover

Family Violence Response Centre

What is family violence?Family violence is any threatening or abusive behaviour that occurs between people in a family or intimate relationship that causes the person experiencing the behaviour to fear for their safety or the safety of another person.

Family violence includes…

• Physical and sexual abuse

• Emotional and psychological abuse

• Financial abuse like withholding money

• Controlling what you can and cannot do

• Isolating you from family and friends

• Stopping you from leaving the house

• Threatening you or other people like children or extended family members

• Harming things you love like pets or personal belongings

For more information on what family violence is, visit safesteps.org.au

How safe steps can help• When you call the safe steps 24/7 response phone line on 1800 015 188 you will speak to a professionally- trained family violence support worker.

The support worker can help you…

• Explore options to increase your safety, whether you want to stay in the relationship or leave

• Create a personal safety plan designed to keep you and your children safe

• Access safe emergency accommodation for you, your children and your pets (in you have any)

• Stay in your own home, with your children, while the abuser is required by law to leave

• Understand your legal rights and entitlements

• Connect with Police or apply for an intervention order

• Connect with local support agencies in your area

Worried someone you know is experiencing family violence or abuse?If you are worried a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour or someone else you know is experiencing family violence, please call the safe steps 24/7 phone line on 1800 015 188.

A safe steps specialist family violence support worker can talk to you about the best ways to approach the person, help them and let them know about available support services including safe steps.

For more information, you can also visit safesteps.org.au/information-for-family-friends.

Your 24/7 state-wide family violence response centre for intervention, support and advocacy.