My constituency question is directed to the terrific new Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Minister, how is the Orange Door, inner east, in Box Hill supporting my constituents as their local point of contact following a family violence crisis? When I was an electorate officer in the last term of Parliament I would often assist constituents in finding resources to escape family violence. In 2019 Labor members from the other house provided us with contacts for those experiencing domestic violence. I would like to give a shout-out to the Eastern Community Legal Centre; Uniting Vic.Tas; the Salvation Army; Launch Housing; SECASA, the South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault; and EDVOS, the Eastern Domestic Violence Service. In September 2021 the Orange Door in Box Hill opened, providing a new resource for those in the eastern suburbs. Since the Orange Door program began in 2018 the service has helped more than 100,000 Victorians. I am proud to be part of a Labor government that has implemented the Orange Door as a recommendation from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence. I look forward to the minister’s response.
Minister’s Response
I would like to thank the Member for Glen Waverly for his question and his ongoing advocacy for victim-survivors of family violence in his community.
The Victorian Government has invested a record $3.86 billion to end family violence. This includes the establishment and operations of The Orange Door network across the state.
The Orange Door network ensures that people impacted by family violence, people who use violence and families who need support with the wellbeing and development of their children can get the help and support they need close to home.
The Orange Door network in Inner Eastern Melbourne is a strong partnership between Anglicare Vic, Uniting Vic/Tas, FVREE, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
People across Inner Eastern Melbourne who are impacted by family violence or needing help with the wellbeing and development of their children can attend The Orange Door at 30-32 Prospect Street in Box Hill, call on 1800 354 322 or email the Orange Door Network.
When people seek help from The Orange Door they can be supported with risk and needs assessments, safety planning, crisis support and connection through to a wide range of services in the local community to ensure they get the longer-term help that they need.
Since commencement of the first Orange Door networks in May 2018, The Orange Door network across Victoria has provided a response for over 396,000 people, including more than 233,000 adults and over 162,000 children.
I am committed to ensuring The Orange Door Network is accessible and responsive to the needs of the vibrant, diverse community in Inner Eastern Melbourne and right across Victoria. Thank you for your ongoing support in this endeavour.
Vicki Ward MP
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
