Our Family Violence Therapeutic program supports Aboriginal women and young people who have experienced family violence through group and individual counselling. The program uses cultural practice to create healing and build independence.

Who is this program for?

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women and young people who are currently at risk of family violence or have experienced it in the past. 
• Those currently engaged with a service or program and supported by a case worker.

Get started

• You or one of your family members needs to have a case manager who will remain by your side through our time working together. This allows you to get the support you need, as you need it, whilst doing the therapeutic work with our team.
• An initial assessment (MARAM) is done to see what level of support you need. A MARAM risk assessment and safety plan are sent together with your referral form. Referrals can come from other VACCA programs, The Orange Door, Child Protection or similar agencies.
• Entry for women begins with an optional (but recommended) 6-week online psycho-education program on family violence. Doing this online program first, will help you to better communicate what your needs are and for us to better support you.
• Counselling sessions will run for 6 weeks. These can be done as either group or one-on-one sessions; there is choice and flexibility.
• Our therapeutic goals for women include:
  • recognising the personal impacts of family violence
  • understanding how respectful relationships look like
  • understanding how family violence impacts children
  • learning practical ways to make you and your children safe
  • doing our work in a culturally safe space.
• Our therapeutic goals for children include:
  • learning ways to express and understand their emotions
  • learning safe practical ways to manage their difficult emotions
  • understanding how respectful relationships look like
  • growing strong in their sense of who they are
  • getting involved with cultural and community activities.

More information

• Family violence statewide support services - www.vic.gov.au  
• Family violence therapeutic intervention providers - www.vic.gov.au 
• Family violence information and resources - www.dffh.vic.gov.au  
• Safe + Equal Find a Service 

Locations