Local access point to provide much needed family violence support

BELLARINE families and children will have a new access point to family violence and wellbeing services at Drysdale.

The state government opened an expansion of its The Orange Door Network earlier this month, which combines specialist family violence, Aboriginal and child and family services to provide support such as crisis assistance, risk and needs assessments and safety planning.

Bellarine Community Health will host the new Bellarine Access Point, which includes a reception area, a private meeting room, public areas and secure staff working areas.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Ros Spence said the new site would provide more support close to home for Bellarine residents who are impacted by family violence.

“The Orange Door network was built in response to an uncoordinated and fragmented service system,” she said.

“The Andrews Labor Government is proud that the opening of the Bellarine access point completes The Orange Door network in Barwon and means Victorians across the region have access to this important and valuable service.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said: “The expansion of the Barwon Orange Door network will provide much needed family violence and wellbeing support for families across the Bellarine region, with a new base in Drysdale.”

Since starting in May 2018, The Orange Door Barwon has received more than 43,000 referrals and provided support to more than 36,000 people including over 14,000 children through partnerships such as with the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV), Meli and Wathaurong Cooperative.

The Orange Door was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and is now operating statewide.

The Orange Door network in Barwon is a free service and can be contacted on 1800 312 820 or via [email protected] from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.