With more Victorians at home to slow the spread of coronavirus, we know there’s an increased risk for those experiencing family violence or abuse. Recently the government has announced an additional $20 million for family violence prevention in Victoria and new funding for family violence services such as The Orange Door.
Here at Monash Health, we have a range of support measures in place for employees who may be experiencing family violence. For details of how we can support our employees with practical measures such as family violence leave and flexible work options, see the Manager’s guide to supporting our employees, which can be downloaded and is also available on prompt.
The Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence team continue to offer over-the-phone and online support for managers, employees and patient-related secondary consults. Family Violence: Manager training and Family Violence: Clinician training sessions are also continuing and can be booked via Latte. WorkSafe has also released new guidance that aims to educate employers on how to help employees who are experiencing family violence while they are working from home during Coronavirus.
You can learn more about our Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence on COVID employee website, the intranet, PROMPT or contact the team directly via: familyviolenceeducation@monashhealth.org or your HR Business Partner can be accessed by contacting the People and Culture advice line on 9265 2724.
External referrals and resources
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Converge, Monash Health’s EAP, will assist employees with any matters relating to family violence and can provide appropriate referrals.
1300 687 327
1800RESPECT
Qualified and experienced counsellors provide 24-hour phone and online counselling, information and referrals to all people in Australia affected by sexual assault and family violence.
1800 737 732
The Orange Door
Linking people experiencing or using family violence with the services appropriate to their needs. The service can be accessed in person or over the phone.
1800 319 353 (for Bayside Peninsula)
Safe Steps
24-hour state-wide crisis accommodation services for women and children.
1800 015 188
South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (SECASA)
SECASA provides services for sexual assault and counselling for family violence. SECASA can be contacted 24/7.
9594 2289
MensLine Australia
24-hour national phone and online support service for men who are victims of family violence.
1300 789 978
No To Violence Men’s Referral Service
A confidential counselling, information and referral service to help men involved with family violence, including those using violent and controlling behaviour towards a partner or family member.
1300 766 491
InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
A statewide organisation specialising in services, programs and responses to women experiencing family violence in migrant and refugee communities.
1800 755 988
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
Provides family violence services to women, young people and children, including outreach and case management.
9701 4200 (Dandenong)
8796 0700 (Frankston)
Women’s Legal Service Victoria
Provides phone advice and appointments for women in Victoria who are in need of legal advice, information or referral.
1800 133 302
Approved by Katrina Nankervis and Karen Lowe