You have a right to be safe
Bethany Community Support helps people and families experiencing family violence to find safety. We also support people who are using violence to make better choices for themselves and their families.
Important Information
If you are experiencing behaviour that doesn’t feel ok, that doesn’t feel safe, or that makes you uncomfortable in any way, contact the Barwon Orange Door on 1800 312 820 during business hours. If you are experiencing family violence and you need help after hours or over the weekend, call Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre toll free on 1800 015 188. In an emergency call 000.
Who it is for
Geelong Region
Women and children
Referral required
Support for women and children
Bethany offers women and children the opportunity to talk to someone about their experience of family violence. Listening without judgement and with respect, we aim to work with women in ways that improve their safety and security and increase their education around the tactics and impacts of family violence.
We support women and children with:
- making a safety plan
- having support at court
- making your home safe (including changing locks and other security measures)
- seeing a lawyer for advice
- accessing advocacy services from a support worker
- counselling for yourself, or for your children
- referrals to other service providers.
We also offer group programs for women and children, including:
Women
ROAR is a 12-week support group for women survivors of family violence co-designed and reviewed by survivors themselves. ROAR provides a safe, supportive and supportive environment for women with a focus on empowerment, equality and safety. Facilitated by specialist family violence staff, sessions proceed through weekly topics and activities with a narrative focus.
Children
Bethany runs therapeutic groups for children across a range of ages, including:
Full Teen 180, a group for adolescents who have experienced family violence or homelessness. Group participants can connect with peers who have also experienced violence or homelessness and together build their skills and knowledge around healthy relationships.
- This is a free service
- For more information contact swcsreferrals@bethany.org.au
Court Support 4 Kids provides engagement, play, company and distraction for children accompanying their mother to the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, as a direct result of their experience of family violence.
- This is a free service
- It is available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
- You do not need a referral or a booking – look out for our staff in the waiting room
- For more information download this flyer
How to access this service
Call The Orange Door on 1800 312 820 during business hours for a referral to Bethany’s services.
If you are experiencing family violence and you need help after hours or over the weekend, call safe steps Family Violence Response Centre toll free on 1800 015 188.
In an emergency, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Further resources
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is a new way to access help and support for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence; and for families who need support with the care, wellbeing and development of children or young people.
Contact The Orange Door if:
- Someone close to you is hurting you, controlling you or making you feel afraid, such as your partner, family member, housemate or carer
- You are struggling to manage your child’s behaviour and you require support to implement parenting strategies
- You are struggling with parenting due to money issues, family conflict, illness, addiction, grief or isolation
- You are concerned about the wellbeing of a child or young person
- You are concerned about the safety of a friend or family member
You are using violence and you want to change your behaviour
Visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au for more information.
More family violence information and resources:
The Lookout provides information, resources and services aimed at preventing and responding to family violence.
1800 RESPECT is Australia’s national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Call toll free on 1800 737 732.
Victims Support Agency within the Department of Justice and Community Safety
Call the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891
Support for LGBTQIA+ people
Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline with family violence supports
Victoria Police
Call 000 and ask to speak to a LGBTIQA+ Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO). To get in contact with an LLO, speak to a police officer at your local police station.
