Protection from violence

Yes. You can leave to escape harm or the risk of harm or if there is an emergency.

You can leave home if there is family violence, or violence by another person, in the home and you are at risk. If you are stopped by police, tell them you are feeling unsafe at home and they will help you.

Family violence frontline services, including crisis accommodation, continue to operate to support women, children and families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.

Safe accommodation and support for family violence is available. Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or email safesteps@safesteps.org.au for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Victim-survivors of family violence and personal violence can apply to VCAT to

• get a lease in their name (that excludes the perpetrator)
• remove themselves from a lease, and
• protect themselves financially from any debt created by the perpetrator due to property damage or unpaid rent.

Applications by victim-survivors will be heard within three days.

If you need further advice or assistance please see our contact page for our details and details of other services that may be able to assist.

An intervention order is a court order to protect a person, their children and their property from another person’s behaviour.

Note: Specialist family violence services remain open.