Family violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship used by one partner, family member or carer to gain or maintain power and control over another person. This behaviour creates fear in individuals. Family violence is not limited to physical violence, but takes many different forms.

Elder abuse is the mistreatment or violence towards an older person by a family member, partner or carer. Elder abuse often includes financial abuse, social isolation and/or neglect.

Family violence takes many different forms. These include:

• Physical abuse
• Social isolation and abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Financial abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Cultural abuse
• Stalking
• Technology-facilitated abuse
• Neglect

These are examples of the types of family violence frequently used by people who choose to perpetrate family violence. For more information on these, the specialist service you are referred to will be able to speak to each form of violence to help you gain a better understanding of each of these forms of abuse.

Family violence affects people of all ages, genders, cultures and walks of life.

If you or someone you know requires support as a result of family violence, please contact 000 (24/7) if you are in immediate danger or PRONIA on 03 9388 9998 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm) for further support or information.

Other helpful contacts include Safe Steps 1800 015 188 (24/7) and 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 (24/7) for 24/7 telephone support.

If your partner, family member or carer often puts you down or makes you feel worthless, stops you from seeing your friends or family, restricts your access to money or dictates how you spend it or scares or hurts you by being physically violent or verbally abusive. These are some signs of family violence.

If you are in immediate danger at home, please contact 000 for Police Emergency services.
If you have any concerns about your safety, please contact our office on 03 9388 9998 where you will be connected with a caseworker who will guide you through your next steps to ensure your safety and determine your initial needs. The team will connect you with necessary services including housing, emergency financial relief and referral to specialist services dependent on your individual needs.

Although PRONIA is not a specialist family violence service, our caseworkers will work closely to support you by guiding you through the process of referring you onto a specialist family violence or related service.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, helpful contacts include:

• Police Emergency 000 (24/7)

For any victim of family violence

• PRONIA 03 9388 9998 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)

For any victim of family violence or those requiring further information on the issue

• Safe Steps 1800 015 188 (24/7)

For women and children who are victims of family violence

24/7 crisis telephone support line

Website: https://www.safesteps.org.au/

• 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 (24/7)

24/7 telephone and online counselling with trained experts

Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au/ 

• inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence 1800 755 988 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)

Case management to women and their families from migrant and refugee backgrounds

Website: https://intouch.org.au/

• Seniors Rights Victoria 1300 368 821 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm)

Resources and videos helping navigate financial planning, planning ahead and navigating difficult family situations

Website: https://seniorsrights.org.au/

• Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 (Mon – Fri 8am – 9pm, Sat & Sun 9am – 5pm)

For people at risk of using family violence

Free, confidential, expert support for men and their family or friends

Website: https://ntv.org.au/get-help/

Yes, PRONIA offers a telephone support group for people aged over 65 in the Greek language. The telephone session connects socially isolated individuals who experience or are at risk of experiencing abuse, and provides a safe space for social interaction, support and sharing of relevant education and resources. For more information, please contact us on 03 9388 9998.

Yes, PRONIA offers community information sessions on topics of family violence, safe relationships and services available to those requiring support and further information. Sessions are offered for schools, clubs and organisations for people of all age groups. PRONIA further provides regular community education and support through various events hosted throughout the year, in Greek newspapers and radio, on social media and community television stations.
If you would like to enquire about our information sessions, please contact our office on 03 9388 9998 for further information.