- Published:
- Tuesday 24 August 2021
Women and families across the Ovens Murray region can now access a range of coordinated family violence and family wellbeing services in one place, with the Ovens Murray Orange Door network now open.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams announced the Orange Door has officially commenced operating in Ovens Murray – and reminded Victorians leaving home to escape family violence is a permitted reason to leave home at all times, including during lockdowns.
The Orange Door brings together services across the region and provides multiple ways to access coordinated help and support. Local residents seeking support can contact the Ovens Murray Orange Door Network from today by phone, email or in person. During public health restrictions face-to-face support is still available in Wangaratta and Wodonga for families in crisis who are urged to call ahead. An outposted site in Benalla is also to come.
The Orange Door network in Ovens Murray is a strong partnership between Mungabareena Aboriginal Co-operative, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, Centre Against Violence, Gateway Health, Upper Murray Family Care, and the Victorian Government.
The Orange Door network has helped over 153,000 people across Victoria since it began, including more than 60,000 children, bringing together workers from family violence, child and family, men’s and Aboriginal services.
It can also help people access case management, financial counselling and legal assistance, parenting support and provide advice to professionals, and concerned family members and friends.
A key recommendation of the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, The Orange Door network will be available across Victoria by the end of 2022. Eight locations are already operating across the state, including Central Highlands, Loddon, Barwon, Inner Gippsland, North East Melbourne, Bayside Peninsula, Goulburn and the Mallee.
The Victorian Government is leading the nation with its work to end gendered violence, with more than $3.5 billion invested since the Royal Commission– more than every other state combined, and more than the Commonwealth.
The Orange Door network in Ovens Murray is open Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm on 1800 271 157 or oma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au More information and contact details are available at orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“Leaving home to escape family violence remains a reason to leave home during lockdowns - and help is available.”
“Navigating multiple services to get help can be hard, particularly in times of great stress and trauma. That’s why we’re making getting advice and support as easy as possible for people in Ovens Murray and across Victoria.”
“The Orange Door links and coordinates key components of our family violence, child and family services sectors to provide help when and where it is needed – ensuring families have support in person, online or over the phone.”
Quote attributable to member for Northern Victoria Region Jaclyn Symes
“This Orange Door will make a real difference for women, children and families in the North East – ensuring they can get the support they need close to home without having to re-tell their story to multiple services.”