Family Violence Support

Peninsula Health has a vision of a community free from family violence, in which healthy and respectful relationships are the norm, and people are able to live freely without fear or threats from others.

We are committed to providing support to those impacted by family violence and abuse, which can occur across the lifespan. This page aims to provide information about the support services available.

What is family violence? 

Family violence can take many forms. It includes:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Economic abuse
  • Threatening or coercive behaviour that makes another person fear for their safety
  • Controlling or dominating behaviour that makes another fear for their safety.

It also includes behaviour that causes a child to hear, witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence.

Family violence can involve a range of people in family, domestic or intimate relationships. This includes partners, parents, children, siblings, distant relatives and even carers. Younger people can use family violence against older people, too – for example, children against their parents, or elder abuse.

If you are in danger or concerned for your immediate safety (or that of someone else), contact the police on 000 for emergency assistance. Further services and programs are included lower on this webpage.

Peninsula Health’s Response to Family Violence

Health services are in a unique and powerful position to better identify and respond to family violence across the lifespan. Peninsula Health is committed to a future free from family violence, where our communities can live without fear. Our staff work within the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) framework.

Building on the Strengthening Hospital Reponses to Family Violence initiative, we continuously develop our processes and systems that enable us sensitively respond to, and improve, outcomes for patients and staff who have experienced family violence.

Programs

Useful links

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