Online safety
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Council's commitment to the prevention of family violence
Knox City Council commits to creating a safe community without violence.
We recognise that family violence is a major health and human rights issue. It can affect anyone, no matter their gender, age, location, socio-economic and health status, cultural background, sexual identity, abilities, ethnicity, religion or family type.
We recognise the extensive harm family violence causes to individuals and the community.
We commit to use our programs, services and advocacy to prevent and respond to family violence.
For more details, view our Family Violence Statement of Commitment.
About family violence
Family violence takes many forms and it occurs across all social groups in the community. While physical violence may be the most visible, there are other forms of family violence.
These include:
- physical assault (such as pushing, slapping, punching, choking)
- verbal abuse (such as put-downs, threats and intimidation)
- sexual assault (such as manipulating or forcing you to do sexual things, even if you are married)
- emotional abuse (such as weakening your self-esteem)
- controlling behaviours (such as deciding who you can see or what you do)
- stalking (such as monitoring your online activity, following you)
- financial abuse (such as controlling access to money)
- pet abuse (such as threatening or harming an animal)
- travel visa abuse (such as controlling access to visa documentation or threatening to impact your visa status)
- social abuse (such as isolating you from family and friends)
- spiritual abuse (such as preventing you from practising your spiritual beliefs)
- threats or actually self-harming and saying you are responsible
- spousal homicide.
If someone is violent, abusing and hurting you or your children, it is not your fault.
Crisis support contacts
1800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732
24 hour/7 days a week confidential counselling, support and safety planning by trained counsellors for people impacted by sexual, domestic and family violence.
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website: 1800RESPECT
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
24 hour/7 days a week specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing family or domestic violence.
Phone:1800 015 188
Website: Safe Steps
The Orange Door
A free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence. The Orange Door has multiple locations, visit their website to find the right centre for you.
Phone: 1800 271 150
Email: [email protected]
Website: The Orange Door
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (except public holidays)
Walk in: 4–16 Devon Street, Croydon (corner of Pierson Drive and Railway Grove)
Support services
There are services that you can reach out to for advice or help.
Local support services in Knox
First Nations support services
LGBTIQA+ support services
Elder abuse support services
Other family violence support services
Support resources
Download our family violence help card for easy reference to support services.
If you would like printed copies of the family violence help card, please email [email protected].
Download the Family Violence Help Card (PDF).
Learn more about our Short-Term Support service.
Translations
If you would like the information translated, call the free Interpreter service on 131 450.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or have speech impairment, call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
Need help?
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.
