Tuesday, 6 August 2019

More than 5,000 Gippsland residents have been kept safe from the threat of family violence with help from the Morwell Orange Door, one of the Support and Safety Hubs rolled out by the Andrews Labor Government.

A key recommendation of the landmark Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Orange Door gives Victorian women and children access to support services in one secure facility when they are experiencing family violence.

Seventeen Orange Doors are being built across Victoria – Morwell is one of five already operating, with 12 more on the way. The Morwell hub opened last year and has been operating for more than eight months.

The Orange Door brings together specialist workers from family violence, child and family and Aboriginal services, as well as services aimed at perpetrators and legal and accommodation advice.  The model is designed to make it easier for people to seek help and support earlier, with clearly visible locations close to public transport.

Other Orange Doors are operating in Heidelberg, Geelong, Frankston and Mildura. The Labor Government is getting on with the job of building Orange Doors, with 12 more to be up and running by 2022.

The Orange Door services are funded by a $448 million investment by the Labor Government as part of our record $2.7 billion efforts to address family violence.

More than half of the Royal Commission’s 227 recommendations have now been implemented.

People can be referred into the Orange Door or can walk in to get help without an appointment between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. You can call the Morwell hub on 1800 319 354 or email iga@orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

More information is available at www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“The Orange Door is transforming the way Victorians access family violence support services, helping them find support before a situation reaches crisis point.”

“More than 5,000 Gippsland residents have been helped by this Orange Door – it’s about keeping women, children and families safe as they get the help they need in a secure, welcoming place.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing

“This Orange Door has provided help to more than 5,000 people in just eight months – it’s providing better protection and support for Victorians affected by family violence and will help rebuild lives.”