Family violence in our community is not acceptable.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and to live without fear of violence or abuse.
What is Family Violence
Family violence is when someone behaves abusively towards a family member. It is part of a pattern of behaviour that controls or dominates a person and causes them to fear for their own or others’ safety and wellbeing. Domestic Violence Victoria
Anyone can experience family violence. It occurs across all ages, socioeconomic and demographic groups but mainly affects women and children.
In Victoria, the meaning of family violence is set out in the Family Violence Protection Act 2008.
By definition, family violence is behaviour by a person towards a family member that;
- is physically or sexually abusive
- is emotionally or psychologically abusive
- is economically abusive
- is threatening or coercive or dominating
- causes fear
This definition also includes behaviours that cause a child to hear or witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence.
NHW says NO to family violence
Family violence is a serious health concern and can significantly affect a person’s health and wellbeing. It is a complex issue and can affect anyone of any age.
We have a crucial role in the health and safety of our community and are often the initial contact point for people who have experienced or are experiencing family violence.
Our health professionals are trained to identify the warning signs, respond sensitively and respectfully, and connect those affected by family violence to the services and the support they need. So if you or someone you know is in our care and experiencing family violence, our staff are here to help.
Our Commitment
Northeast Health Wangaratta is committed to strengthening our response to family violence by:
TRAINING our staff to better identify and respond to family violence.
SUPPORTING our staff and community members through early intervention that addresses the underlying causes of family violence.
ENGAGING with our staff and community members to develop resources, policies and pathways to better respond to family violence.
PARTNERING with other local services to stop family violence
As part of our commitment to the community, we are working closely with local services to ensure our community is safe and free from violence.
Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV)
The Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) Initiative is a whole of hospital response to family violence.
The Royal Women’s Hospital and Bendigo Health developed the SHRFV initiative framework based on international best practice responses to family violence in a health care setting.
The initiative aims to:
- Increase the supports available for staff and volunteers of the health service who are experiencing family violence.
- Improve how clinicians at the health service identify, respond to and support consumers impacted by family violence.
The Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) model was developed to provide a system-wide approach which is now being applied by hospitals across Victoria.
Where to get help
Local Services – NE Region
Centre Against Violence – 1800 806 292
Upper Murray Family Care – 1800 705 211
National Services
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
With Respect – 1800 542 847
QLife – 1800 184 527
Djirra – 1800 105 303
Child Protection – 13 12 78
Kids Help Line – 1800 551 800
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
Men’s Line – 1300 78 99 78