Domestic violence & abuse of women is one of the most pressing social issues in Australia, and Melbourne is no exception. It is a pity that it afflicts thousands of women, children, and men annually, and leaves the victims feeling lonely, insecure, and unrecognized. However, there is hope. Melbourne has a good support system of community programs, support services, and laws to assist the victims in regaining control and independence.

This blog post aims to provide a compassionate and informative guide for women, girls, and women’s organizations in Melbourne, helping you understand domestic violence, its impact, and where to find help.

Are women and children safe in Melbourne?

Community Awareness and Government Measures.

When we consider Melbourne, we tend to imagine a diverse and open city that is very lively. However, under the veil of beauty and prospects, domestic and family violence remain a big threat to a number of women and children. This brings a critical question, Are women and children safe in Melbourne?

The answer is complex. Although the problems have not been resolved, Melbourne has established a robust web of legislation, support programs, and awareness campaigns to deal with this problem squarely.

Understanding Domestic Violence & Abuse of Women

Domestic and family violence refers to the abusive or violent acts of a partner, former partner or a family member. It does not just involve physical assault but also involves:

• Emotional and psychological abuse: To manipulate someone, humiliation, intimidation, and coercing.

• Economic abuse: denying access to money, financial resources or jobs.

• Sexual abuse: non-consensual sexual acts/threats.

• Coercive control: This is a form of behavior that is intended to control the victim such as by observing, isolating and manipulation.

Women are disproportionately affected to the extent that domestic violence is a reality that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. National statistics show:

• One out of every 6 females and 1 of every sixteen males have faced physical or sexual harm at the hands of a current or former companion.

• It is males who perpetrate by 75% and females by 25%.

• One out of every 5 women has been sexually violated.

• One woman in nine days and one man in a month on average are murdered by a previous or current partner.

These numbers reflect a hidden crisis—many incidents go unreported, meaning the real scale of domestic violence in Melbourne and Australia may be even higher.

Who is at Risk?

Although any person may experience domestic violence, there are groups that are more vulnerable:

• Women and girls: At a greater risk of partner violence, sexual abuse, and coercive control.

• Children: One out of every 8 adults had a witness of violence against a parent since the age of 15. Childhood exposure to violence augments chronic threats of mental well-being, trauma, and subsequent maltreatment.

• Indigenous populations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have an increased risk of violence in the family and hospitalization as a result of abuse.

• Individuals with disabilities: More prone to physical or sexual abuse and usually have a hindrance to assistance.

• Other vulnerable populations: The elderly population, the poor, or socially isolated groups are other at-risk populations.

Melbourne’s women’s organizations and community networks work tirelessly to provide support to these vulnerable groups, ensuring they are not left behind.

Homelessness and Domestic Violence.

One of the greatest causes of homelessness in Australia is domestic and family violence. In Melbourne:

More than a quarter of individuals who request specialist homelessness services attribute domestic violence as the major cause.

Three-quarters of these customers are women and almost half of them are single parents having children.

Children of such homes are frequently exposed to the violence further exacerbating the trauma and long term impacts.

The Orange Door and the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre organizations provide crisis accommodation and support services to women and children fleeing violence in Melbourne.

Government Safety and Awareness Measures

The Legal Framework in Victoria

Melbourne and Victoria have robust legal measures to protect women from domestic violence:

• Family Violence Protection Act 2008: Provides intervention orders and legal protections for victims.

• Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) Framework: Ensures coordinated response among professionals to assess risk and protect victims.

• Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme: Enables organizations to share information to safeguard those at risk.

These laws reflect a strong commitment to the safety and empowerment of women in Melbourne.

Support Services in Melbourne

No one should face domestic violence alone. Melbourne offers numerous services for immediate help, counseling, and long-term support:

• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre – 24/7 crisis support: 1800 015 188

• The Orange Door – Integrated services, risk assessment, and referrals: 1800 312 820

• 1800RESPECT – National counselling line: 1800 737 732

• Lifeline – 24/7 emotional support: 13 11 14

• MensLine Australia – Support for male victims and partners: 1300 78 99 78

• Relationships Australia – Relationship counseling and support: 1300 364 277

These organizations ensure that women, girls, and families in Melbourne can access the help they need, whenever they need it.

Domestic Violence and its Effects.

Domestic violence has very serious physical, emotional and mental health ramifications:

• Burden of disease Intimate partner violence has been listed among the top 5 risk factors in disease burden in women aged 15 – 54.

• Mental health: Women who had been abused as children or who had partners who were abused, have a higher probability of developing depression, anxiety, and chronic health problems.

• Deaths: 63% of victims of domestic homicide were female, and most of them were killed by an intimate partner, between 2023-24.

• Hospitalizations: 50% of assault related hospitalization in Victoria was associated with family and domestic violence, 76% of the victims were women.

These figures demonstrate the need to raise awareness in the community, law enforcement, and support services that are easy to access.

How You Can Help

Melbourne can end domestic violence:

• Donate or volunteer in charitable women organizations in the area to offer them safe shelter and services.

• Learn about domestic violence and healthy relationships with others.

• Advise friends or family that might be facing abuse.

Keep in mind, in case of abuse or some violence, it is not your fault. It is not alone and help is available.

A Safer Future of Women in Melbourne.

Women domestic violence and abuse is a serious concern that Melbourne is determined to make a safer and conducive city to women and girls as well as their families. Victims are able to feel safe, heal, and empowered through legal protections, community programs, and compassionate support services.

Contact support services nowadays in case you or your relative are impacted. Melbourne is on your side–you are not all by yourself and you can have a better future.

You are not alone—Melbourne stands with you.

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