BCH Women’s family violence counselling service
We provide safe therapeutic counselling to address the impacts of Family Violence for women who have experienced current and/or historic family violence.
What is Family Violence?
Family Violence, also known as Domestic Violence or Abuse, is any threatening, coercive, dominating, controlling or abusive behaviour that occurs between people in a current or past family, domestic or intimate relationship. Family Violence can be subtle or overt and be behaviour that causes the person to feel fear. While Family violence can include physical and sexual abuse, it may also include emotional and psychological abuse, all of which are unhealthy and harmful.
The impacts of Family Violence
The experience of family violence can have a detrimental impact on a woman’s life, such as ongoing health & wellbeing issues and/or her sense of autonomy & loss of identity.
Common issues and feelings that may arise for women include:
- Being overwhelmed by ongoing issues related to the family violence
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Feelings of worthlessness and reduced self-esteem
- Anxiety/feeling unsafe & fearful
- Depression
- Trauma triggering
- Isolation from family & friends
- Relationship difficulties
How can counselling help?
- Counselling can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to understand your experiences and help you to manage and reduce the impact of those experiences.
- Our counsellors specialise in helping women recover from their experience of family violence
Family violence counselling is available Monday to Friday, 9:00-5:00pm. Counselling sessions are approximately one hour and made as required. For more information make an enquiry through the customer service menu to the right-hand side of your screen. Alternatively, call us directly on (03) 5338 4500.
Please note that waiting times may apply. This service is free.
IF YOU REQUIRE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE CALL – 000
Alternative Family Violence services:
THE ORANGE DOOR – 1800 512 359
Family violence support services for families, specialised Aboriginal services and men’s services. You can access the safety hub in person at 21 Armstrong St Ballarat.
https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 24/7 phone and online services.
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
DJIRRA – 1800 105 303
Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated, and practical support is available. Call or visit the Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services website:
THE ORANGE DOOR – 1800 219 819
Family violence support services for families, specialised Aboriginal services and men’s services. You can access the safety hub in person at 21 Armstrong St Ballarat.
https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 24/7 phone and online services.
https://www.1800respect.org.au/
DJIRRA – 1800 105 303
Djirra is a culturally safe place where culture is celebrated, and practical support is available. Call or visit the Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services website:
MEN’S REFERRAL SERVICE (NTV) – 1300 766 491
Men’ s Referral Service provides anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to men to help them take action to stop using violent and controlling behaviour.
