New doors open for family violence help

by Michaela Meade

People who have experienced family violence will have greater access to support services, with the Orange Door Network expansion to Hume Moreland set to open this year.

The Hume Moreland site is one of the final four recently announced to provide support closer to home for those who need it.

The Orange Door Network offers free immediate and ongoing access to support under one roof.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Gabrielle Williams said every Victorian deserves to feel safe at home.

“Our Rolling Action Plan highlights our journey so far – and the steps still to take – so we can build a Victoria free from family violence, with a key part of this being the delivery of the Orange Door Network,” Ms Williams said.

“This Australian-first initiative will make it easier than ever for those impacted to get the help they need, wherever they may be.”

The network currently has seven operational sites in Victoria, which has assisted more than 100,000 people since 2018. The remaining ten Orange Door sites are planned to be established within the next two years.

Each Orange Door has a primary site which is complemented by additional access points and outposts, which makes it easier to access support.

The Orange Door has continued to deliver its services to Victorians who are impacted by family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to families needing support with the care and wellbeing of their children.

The initiative is part of the state government’s 10 year agenda to build a Victoria free from family violence.