This page shares a comprehensive list of support services available, both locally and state-wide. Most services are available to support people from a range of diverse communities and cultural identities.
Support services for women, children and young people
Support is available to every member of our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are fearful or feel unsafe, or know someone who maybe experiencing family violence call 000 if in immediate danger or call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 for advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Translating and Interpreting Service
If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 or visit the Translating and Interpreting Service website for more information.
The National Relay Service is available as a phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Australia-wide.
All calls are confidential.
If you need an interpreter, call 131 450 or visit the Translating and Interpreting Service website for more information.
The National Relay Service is available as a phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. It's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Australia-wide.
All calls are confidential.
- TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 366 356
- Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 366 356
- For SMS relay, use 0423 677 767
- For Internet Relay calls, visit the Make an Internet Relay call page and use this number: 1300 366 356
- For Captioned Relay calls, visit the Make a captioned relay call page and use this number: 1300 366 356.
Geelong based support services
- The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre
03 5222 4318
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
plus 24hour crisis response.
Support for all people impacted by sexual assault and support for women, children and young people impacted by family violence. People of any age, gender, sexuality, culture and ability are welcome. - The Orange Door
1800 312 820
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
People of any age, gender, sexuality, culture and ability are welcome. - Meli
03 5226 8900
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
Programs, counselling and support to people experiencing family violence and those wishing to change behaviour. - Barwon Community Legal Service
1300 430 599
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
Provides free legal help to people experiencing or who have experienced family violence. Assistance with Family Violence Intervention Orders, and advice on related legal issues i.e. parenting arrangements, child support, issues with housing, Centrelink, fines or debts, separation or divorce.
Phone and web-based services
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188 or 03 9322 3555
24 hours, 7 days
Safe Steps is Victoria's 24/7 statewide family and domestic violence crisis response service. They provide free, confidential support through phone, live chat and email - available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team can support you if you feel unsafe, are experiencing abuse or unsure whether what you're going through is family or domestic violence. - 1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
24 hours, 7 days
Information, counselling and support. - Sexual Assault Crisis Line
1800 806 292
5:00pm to 9:00am, 7 days
After hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault. - Women's Information Referral Exchange Inc (WIRE)
1300 134 130
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, non-binary and gender-diverse people
Support for young people
- Meli
03 5226 8900
1800 825 955 (after hours homelessness support)
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
Meli has a number of supports for young people aged 12 to 25, who are needing help in areas including mental health, homelessness and family reconciliation. - Kids Helpline
1800 551 800
24 hours, 7 days
No matter the reason, contact anytime. - Headspace
03 5222 6690
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Friday
eHeadspace 9:00am to 1:00am, 7 days
Free online and phone support and counselling to young people, 12 to 25 years and their families and friends. If you’re based in Australia and going through a tough time, they can help.
Emotional, mental health, and wellbeing support
- Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
24 hours, 7 days
Support, information and advice. - Meli
03 5278 8122
9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Programs, counselling and support to people experiencing family violence and those wishing to change behaviour. - Barwon Health Mental Health Services
1300 094 187
24 hours, 7 days
The ACCESS Team assist people who may have a complex or serious mental illness and are in crisis. - LifeLine Australia
13 11 14
24 hours, 7 days
Crisis support. Suicide prevention. - Gambler's Help
1800 858 858
24 hours, 7days
For counselling and support services related to gambling. - DirectLine
1800 888 236
24 hours, 7 days
Information, counselling and referral for alcohol and drug issues.
Support services
Support services
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