Family Violence Assistance

Safe, supportive and culturally appropriate support for women and children.

Specialist support for Victorian women and their children from Horn of African backgrounds who are experiencing, or at risk of, family violence.

Family Violence Support

Supporting individuals and families affected by family violence through safe, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services.

SWDA provides confidential support, information, advocacy, safety planning, referrals, and practical assistance to help people experiencing family violence access support, understand their rights, and move towards safety, healing, and wellbeing.

We work alongside individuals and families with compassion, respect, and cultural understanding to create safer pathways and stronger futures.

Family Violence Information & Awareness

Family violence affects individuals, families, and communities across all cultures and backgrounds. Raising awareness is essential to promoting safety, respect, and healthy relationships.

Everyone has the right to live free from violence, fear, and abuse. By increasing community understanding, encouraging early intervention, and connecting people with appropriate support services, we can help prevent family violence and create safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities.

SWDA Family Violence Awareness poster — Safe families, strong communities, brighter futures, with support service phone numbers

We believe in

Safety — everyone has the right to feel safe.
Respect — healthy relationships are built on mutual respect.
Support — access to support services can change lives.
Empowerment — empowering women, strengthening families, building communities.

Need support? You are not alone.

1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 Australia-wide support)
Safe Steps — 1800 015 188 (for women and children)
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
In an emergency, call 000.

Speak out. Reach out. Stand together. Your voice can make a difference. Your action can save a life.

Understanding Family Violence

A woman comforting another woman who is in distress

Family violence includes any threatening, controlling, coercive, or abusive behaviour within a family, domestic, or intimate relationship that causes a person to feel fearful or unsafe. Violence is not only physical; it can also include emotional, psychological, financial, social, and other forms of abuse.

What We Provide

One-on-one support sessions tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
Group work sessions that provide a safe space for women and families to share experiences, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.
Family violence awareness and prevention activities to increase understanding of available support and services.
Referrals and connections to specialist services, including housing, legal, counselling, and other support pathways.
Advocacy and practical support to help individuals and families access services and navigate challenges.
Community education programs to promote healthy relationships, safety, empowerment, and awareness within African communities.

Supporting Young People in Our Community

SWDA youth program participants gathered around a table

Young men engaging in a SWDA youth conversation session

Through this program, SWDA supports women and families to build resilience, access support, understand their rights, and move towards safety, independence, and wellbeing.

Contact Us

For more information, contact us on (03) 8596 7765 / 0432 231 141 or email admin@swdai.org.au. Visit www.swdai.org.au. In an emergency, always call 000.