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Family Violence Counselling

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Self Referral Form

Self Referral Form

Need help now? If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

For immediate family violence support and advice contact The Orange Door on 1800 219 819 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Ballarat Community Health is not a crisis centre.

If someone is using violence, control or intimidation in your relationship or family, support is available.

Ballarat Community Health provides free and confidential family violence counselling for people who have experienced family violence.

We offer a safe and supportive space where you can talk about what has happened, how it has affected you, and what support you may need.

Some people seek support while they are still in a relationship, while others reach out months or years after the violence has ended.

Family violence is not always physcial

It can include

  • Feeling controlled, monitored or isolated from family, friends or support networks
  • Being threatened, intimidated or made to feel afraid
  • Constant criticism, put downs or manipulation
  • Controlling money, employment or access to resource
  • Sexual violence or unwanted sexual activity
  • Monitoring phones, emails, social media or online activity
  • Using children, family members, services, cultural beliefs or systems to control someone

Family violence often involves patterns of behaviour that are used to gain power and control over another person.

How counselling can help

Family violence can have lasting impacts on health, wellbeing, confidence, relationships and everyday life.

  • Talk with someone who understands family violence
  • Make sense of your experiences
  • Explore the impacts of violence and abuse
  • Strengthen safety, wellbeing and support networks
  • Build confidence and move towards the future you want

Our counsellors work alongside you at your pace. You decide what you would like to discuss and what goals are important to you.

Who can access this service?

  • Specialist Family Violence Counselling is available to women living in the Central Highlands region who have experienced violence or abuse from a current or former intimate partner.
  • Women who have experienced family violence and also use violence themselves are welcome to access this service.
  • Men, non-binary people and people who have experienced other forms of family violence may be able to access support through our counselling services. Our team can discuss the most appropriate support option with you.

How much does it cost?

Most counselling services are free however some services will incur a fee depending on the type of counselling. All fees will be discussed with you prior to your first appointment.

Referrals

  • Self Referral – If you would like to access Family Violence Counselling, select the Self Referral button above or contact our team directly.
  • Professional Referral – Professionals can refer clients to the service using the Professional Referral form. Please include any relevant risk assessment information where appropriate.

Contact

Phone (03) 5338 4500

email to [email protected]