Quick exitSafety at Home & Family Law Issues
If things at home feel unsafe, confusing, or out of your control – you are not alone and it is not your fault. This page covers family violence, intervention orders, family law, and child protection. It is designed to point you to the right help quickly. A community legal centre can help you understand your specific situation.
IF YOU ARE IN DANGER RIGHT NOW:
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger
Safe Steps (Victoria) – Phone: 1800 015 188 – Open 24/7, free, confidential, family violence crisis support.
1800RESPECT – Phone:1800 737 732 – Open 24/7 – National family violence and sexual assault support.
Kids Helpline – Phone: 1800 551 800 – Open 24/7, free, confidential, ages 5–25
Helpful Information and Resources:
Family Law and Young People Project (FLYP) by Eastern Community Legal Centre provides information for young people impacted by the family law system in Victoria. The webpage includes easy-to-read brochures and short videos covering rights and responsibilities, support services, and family violence. These resources provide general information only and are not legal advice. Explore the link to access the resources here: https://eclc.org.au/flyp/
Topics
Family violence is any behaviour by a family member, partner, or ex-partner that makes you feel unsafe. It includes physical violence, threats, controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and damage to property. It is against the law.
- You can apply for a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) – a court order that can stop someone from you, coming near you, or continuing abusive behaviour. Police can also apply on your behalf.
- Breaching an intervention order is a criminal offence.
The Orange Door: Victoria’s specialist family violence and child wellbeing support service – find your nearest hub at orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Rainbow Door – Phone: 1800 729 367 (10am–5pm, 7 days) – LGBTIQ+ support
Barwon Community Legal Service – Phone: 1300 430 599 – Free Legal Advice
Victoria Legal Aid – Phone: 1300 792 387 – Free Legal Advice
There are two types of intervention orders in Victoria:
- Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO): protects you from a family member, partner, or ex-partner. Made under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic).
- Personal Safety Intervention Order (PSIO): protects you from someone who is not a family member – such as a neighbour, acquaintance, or stranger. Made under the Personal Safety Intervention Orders Act 2010 ().
Both types can include conditions preventing someone from contacting you, coming near your home or school, or behaving in ways that make you feel unsafe. Both can be applied for at your local Magistrates’ Court or Children’s Court. Police can apply on your behalf. Breaking either order is a criminal offence.
For legal help with intervention orders contact:
Barwon Community Legal Service – Phone: 1300 430 599
Victoria Legal Aid – Phone: 1300 792 387
Safe Steps – Phone: 1800 015 188
Family law in Australia is governed by federal law and covers property and parenting arrangements for children. It can be complex and confusing, especially for young people who are directly affected by it.
Family Law and Young People Project (FLYP) – Eastern Community Legal Centre has developed a free resource specifically for young people impacted by the family law system in Victoria. It includes brochures and ten short covering topics like going to court, family reports, parenting orders, and how to get legal help. This is the best starting point if you need to understand family law as a young person.
Access link HERE: eclc.org.au/flyp
For FREE legal help contact:
Barwon Community Legal Service – Phone: 1300 430 599
Victoria Legal Aid – Phone: 1300 792 387
Child Protection is a government service that steps in when a child or young person is at risk of significant harm from abuse or neglect. If Child Protection is involved in your life, or you are worried about a child, legal help and support is available.
- If you are worried about a child’s safety: contact Child Protection during business hours through The Orange Door at vic.gov.au, or call the after-hours Child Protection Emergency Service on 13 12 78 (weeknights 5pm–9pm and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays).
- Child protection orders exist to keep children safe: If you have questions about an order affecting you, a community legal centre can help you understand your rights and options.
Get FREE legal advice:
Barwon Community Legal Service: 1300 430 599
Victoria Legal Aid: 1300 792 387
YouthLaw (up to 25): (03) 9113 9500
