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How can we help

• We are a specialist domestic and family violence service that provides direct support to women and their children from CALD backgrounds who have experienced domestic and family violence.

• We offer free and confidential support services, available either face-to-face or over the phone.

• Our services are free, culturally sensitive and confidential.  

• We provide you with a safe and supportive space to share your experiences of domestic and family violence and explore your options, without feeling pressured to make any decisions that you might not be ready to make.

• To ensure effective communication, we engage professional female interpreters when needed.

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Immediate Crisis Support

If a woman is in immediate crisis, we can offer urgent assistance, which may include:

• Developing a safety plan for herself and her children while living with the perpetrator of violence, including safe places to go, emergency contacts, and methods for staying safe at home when they are at risk.

• Helping her escape a violent situation: ensuring that women know how to contact emergency and crisis services, including police, ambulance and DV Connect.

• Assisting with the referrals to access supported or crisis accommodation, or other housing options.

• Providing referrals for and advocacy for urgent legal advice on immigration, family law, and domestic violence orders

• Support to attend specialised DV Court 

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Ongoing Support

For women who need help navigating various support systems, we offer ongoing support over a longer period, which may include:

• Supporting women assess their needs, discuss safety concerns, process their feelings, and explore other services they may need in the future.

• Assistance in reporting domestic violence, family violence, or sexual assault.

• Advocacy to access the court system for domestic violence orders, family law matters, and immigration-related legal advice.

• Support and referrals to access essential services, including health care, mental health services, housing and accommodation services, emergency relief, financial assistance, including Centrelink, employment services, community and  settlement support 

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Psychoeducation on Domestic and Family Violence

We offer psychoeducational counselling services for women from CALD backgrounds who are affected by domestic and family violence. We focus on providing women with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to understand the impact of violence, build emotional resilience, and develop healthier relationships. 

Some of the topics discussed might include: 

• What is domestic and family violence (DFV): Understanding what constitutes DFV  including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, social, sexual abuse, and coercive control.

• Signs and Symptoms: Provide information about the signs of DFV, and how to recognize patterns of abusive behaviour.

• Using the trauma informed care approach,  we discuss the impact of DFV on women’s  mental and physical health.

• Understanding Power and Control: Discussing with women how abusive behaviour often stems from dynamics of power and control and recognising the tactics perpetrators use during the relationship and after separation to manipulate, isolate, or dominate their victims.

• Building Confidence and Wellbeing: Helping women clients restore their sense of self-worth and empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships and to develop healthy boundaries.

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Practical support 

Practical support is also provided for women who may struggle with written English. This can include assistance with filling out DV court forms or other documents. In some cases, we offer support to attend legal or medical appointments.