Aboriginal Acknowledgement
The Victorian Government acknowledges Victorian Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We acknowledge and respect that Aboriginal communities are steeped in traditions and customs built on a disciplined social and cultural order that has sustained 60,000 years of existence. We acknowledge the significant disruptions to social and cultural order and the ongoing hurt caused by colonisation. We acknowledge the ongoing leadership role of Aboriginal communities in addressing and preventing family violence. We recognise Dhelk Dja–Safe Our Way: Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families as the key Aboriginal-led Victorian agreement that commits the signatories – Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal services and government – to work together and be accountable for ensuring that Aboriginal people, families and communities are stronger, safer, thriving and living free from family violence.
Throughout this document the term ‘Aboriginal’ is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Acknowledgement to Victim Survivors
Due to its far-reaching impacts in the community, when we speak about family violence it is likely that a significant percentage of the audience have been directly impacted or have some personal experience of family violence. The Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council (VSAC) has emphasised the importance of acknowledging all victim survivors who have experienced or are currently experiencing family violence, including those who have been killed as a result of family violence. We acknowledge that it is for victim survivors that we undertake this work.
Family Violence Support
If you have experienced violence or sexual assault and require immediate or ongoing assistance, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to talk to a counsellor from the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence hotline.
In Victoria, for confidential support and information, contact Safe Steps’ 24/7 family violence response line on 1800 015 188.
If you are concerned for your safety or that of someone else, please contact the police in your state or territory, or call 000 for emergency assistance.
If you are concerned about your own behaviour, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491 - a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues.
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