Family Violence position statement

Our position on family violence

Bendigo Health understands that family violence is common and has devastating effects on individuals, families and our community.
Family Violence is a complex and serious health issue that affects people of all ages. It affects people’s health and wellbeing.  

Family violence may involve partners or former partners, siblings, parents, children and people who are related in other ways, including carers.
It includes violence in many family contexts and the behaviour can take many forms.

Bendigo Health knows that hospitals and health services have a key role in identifying and responding to family violence.  This can include helping people to connect with family violence specialist services.

We support our staff and volunteers to understand and respond safely to people experiencing family violence. Our staff are members of our community too, and we will support them both professionally and personally if they are affected by family violence.

Bendigo Health is committed to reducing family violence and its impact on individuals, families, the community and the health system.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, help is available.

While you or your family members are in involved with our service, you can speak to your care team members.  

Our health professionals are here to help. They are able to recognise the signs and risks of family violence, respond sensitively, respectfully and support you. This can include connecting you with services that can help further.

Some organisations may have changed the way they respond during the COVID-19 pandemic, but help is still available.

Bendigo Health says no to family violence.

Resources

If you are in danger or concerned for your safety or that of someone else, contact the police – call 000 for emergency assistance

  • Safe Steps - Family Violence Response Centre or call 1800 015 188
    For confidential support and information, call the family violence response line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Orange Door: Loddon 1800 512 359 or Mallee 1800 015 188 (business hours)
    A specialist family violence service that provides intake services for people who use and experience violence, intake for family services, safety planning and secondary consultation for staff of non-specialist agencies.  
  • 1800RESPECT – call 1800 737 732
    1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service with 24/7 phone and online services
  •  No to Violence call 1300 766 491
    No to Violence (NTV) is the peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end their violence and abuse towards family members in Victoria and New South Wales They run the Men’s referral service 1300 766 491, which is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues.
  • With Respect – 1800 542 847
    A service for LGBTIQ people and their children who experience or use family violence.  With Respect provide counselling, and case management and provide recovery programs, and secondary consultation and advice for staff of non-specialist agencies.