If you or someone else is in danger, call Triple Zero 000 for immediate assistance
Resources
Department resources for schools
PROTECT
The department’s PROTECT website applies to all employees, contractors and service providers and includes advice on how to create a child safe environment, identify and report signs of abuse and mandatory reporting requirements. Refer to:
Respectful Relationships
The Respectful Relationships program supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect and positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches children how to build health relationships, resilience and confidence. To contact your Respectful Relationships staff please contact your area office. Refer to:
Student health and wellbeing
Support services, guidance and materials to make sure students are healthy and safe at your school.
Student health and wellbeing for
Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM)
MARAM aims to build a shared understanding of and consistent response to family violence across Victoria’s service system. The Department is updating relevant policies and guidance to align with the MARAM Framework and schools will be notified when policies and guidance are updated. Further guidance about MARAM for schools will be made available over time but for more general information about MARAM refer to:
Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management
Department resources for parents
- Information for parents about family violence, including family violence supports, can be found on the What is family violence .
- A range of generic supports for parents, carers and families including family intervention services can be found at: Services for parents and
Department resources for school staff
Employee Assistance Program
The department’s EAP service has specialist family violence counsellors and can be accessed confidentially by staff and any of their family members over 18 years old.
The department’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, short term, and strictly confidential counselling service delivered for the department through an independent provider, LifeWorks. For further information about the EAP, refer to:
Expert supports for your health safety and wellbeing – including Employee Assistance Program
Leaders and senior staff also have access to the EAP, Manager Assist and the Principal class Early Intervention Program. Phone: 1800 338 663 Email: prinsupport@injurynet.com.au
Workplace Contact Officer Network
The Workplace Contact Officer Network is a group of staff who have volunteered and been trained as a point of contact for colleagues experiencing harassment, discrimination, bullying, victimisation or family violence.
Workplace Contact Officer Network
HR e-learning module for principals and managers
Family Violence Module for Managers and Principals E-learning can be accessed in LearnEd through your eduPay. This can be useful for all staff to complete.
Family Violence Module for Managers and Principals (staff login required)
External resources – advice and support for schools and for people experiencing family violence
safe steps (24/7)
This Victorian state-wide family violence crisis support service for women and children includes accommodation (refuge) options and information in 10 languages. You can contact safe steps by phone or email at anytime or online chat through their website Monday to Friday 9 am to 9 pm.
1800RESPECT (24/7)
This national service can provide counselling advice and support for people experiencing family violence. The website has resources in 29 languages. The service also provides debriefing to those providing to support to people experiencing family violence including family, friends and professionals.
The Orange Door
The Orange Door is a free service for all adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children.
School staff can also seek expert advice, other relevant information and referral options from area-based specialist family violence services. To locate your local specialist family violence service visit:
InTouch
State-wide family violence support for Multicultural women and men, their families and communities. They can provide information and referral options for family violence, support relating to visas, family court issues and case management.
Djirra
Djirra is an Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service supporting Aboriginal people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence (women and men). Djirra also assists non-Aboriginal people experiencing family violence who are parents of Aboriginal children.
- 1800 105 303
- Legal Services team: info.afvls@djirra.org.au
Men’s Referral Service
State-wide phone service providing support and information for men who are concerned about their behaviours or have used violence.
School Update articles relevant to this topic (staff login required)
- Family violence support and resources for – published 27 October 2020
- Family violence support services and – published 1 September 2020
Reviewed 08 October 2023