Family violence network expands

Tara Murray

People seeking help with family violence will soon have greater access to support services close to home, with The Orange Door network set to expand to Brimbank and Melton.

The network helps Victorians impacted by family violence to get the help they need.

The Brimbank and Melton site is one of four new sites recently announced, and is expected to open in 2023.

Family Safety Victoria is currently negotiating a site for the primary premises.

Each Orange Door has a primary site which is complemented by additional access points and outposts, making it easier for people to get in-person support wherever they live.

The network is currently operating in seven areas in Victoria.

The Orange Door project is part of the state government’s 10 year agenda to free Victoria from family violence.

The local expansion of the Orange Door Network follows a $1.2 million state government investment in crisis accommodation and specialist support for people experiencing family violence and sexual assault in Brimbank and Melton.

The Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams said every Victorian deserved to be safe.

“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,” she said.

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

Ms Williams said the network brought together workers from specialist family violence, child and family, Aboriginal men’s services to deliver important services.