Family violence help

Immediate assistance

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, you can visit 1800 RESPECT or call 1800 737 732 (24 hours), the national counselling service for specialist support and advice.

What is family violence?

Everybody has the right to feel safe and not live in fear.  This includes feeling secure in your own family household. In Australia, it is against the law to be hurt or controlled by any member of your family, including your partner, children and in-laws. This is known as family violence, and it is an issue that is taken very seriously.

Family violence includes:

• Any type of physical violence, such as slapping or punching
• Being forced to do sexual things, even if you are married or in a relationship
• Making threats or any kind of verbal abuse, including name-calling
• Denying access to money
• Controlling contact with people outside the family
• Children witnessing this abuse

An environment of family violence is particularly harmful for children, even if they are not directly affected by violence.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse refers to harm inflicted on older individuals, often by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. It can take various forms, including physical, social, financial, psychological, or sexual abuse.

Contact Seniors Rights Victoria for information and support if you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse.

It is never your fault

Often, people affected by family violence feel alone and isolated, perhaps even guilty or feel like they deserve the violence or control put upon them. As a result, many suffer the effects of family violence alone, and instances go unreported. If you are worried about someone or need to seek help yourself, contact the following support services. In an emergency, contact police on 000 (Triple Zero).

Family violence support services

Council’s Family Violence Domestic Pets Assistance Program offers to temporarily care for the domestic pets of those leaving a situation of family violence for up to 14 days. It is hoped that this time will provide pet owners with the space they need to find safe, longer-term accommodation.

To access this program, pet owners can contact their support agency or Council on 9705 5200 to request an admittance form.

Family violence and pets assistance program

The program provides free temporary care for domestic pets belonging to residents who are leaving situations of family violence. We understand that concerns about a beloved pet's safety can be a significant barrier to seeking help. 

Pets can be cared for in safe accommodation for up to 14 days, giving owners time to access support and secure alternative arrangements. Eligible pets may also receive microchipping, desexing and registration as part of the program. Referrals are made through family violence support agencies working with the affected resident.

Council's commitment

Casey has a longstanding commitment to promoting gender equality and preventing family violence. Council is a signatory to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.

We recognise that opportunities and access are not equally given throughout society. Council addresses this by creating fairer systems for its staff and the community. We want to empower our residents.

Local government plays a key role in achieving gender equality and preventing family violence. It is now a legal responsibility under the Gender Equality Act 2020. The Act requires all Victorian councils to promote gender equality in the workplace and community.

Key initiatives

The City of Casey has launched its Safe and Equal Casey: Gender Equality and Prevention of Violence Against Women Strategic Plan 2022-2032. 

Developed in consultation with local residents, community organisations and sector experts, the ten-year plan outlines how Council will deliver on its commitment to gender equality, with four strategic objectives:

• Foster communities in Casey that are inclusive, support and promote gender equality, and reject violence against women
• Work with partners and the community in supporting gender equality and developing and implementing prevention of violence against women initiatives
• Ensure Council services, programs, and policies are gender equitable, and inclusive of strategies preventing violence against women
• Build an organisational culture that is safe and equitable, where all employees can bring their whole selves to work

Council's Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2026 aims to promote gender equality and prevent family violence within the workplace and the community. It aims to do this through the design and delivery of Council programs and services. The Plan follows:

• The Gender Equality Act
• Safe and strong: A Victorian Gender Equality Strategy
• VicHealth
• Our Watch

Council also supports preventing family violence and promoting gender equality by:

• employing dedicated Gender Equality and Prevention of Family Violence Officers
• providing training and support to the community
• partnering with community service groups to support important work happening within Casey.