Change Starts with You

DPV Health, the Department of Education, and Banksia Gardens Community Services co-published a resource for young people, ‘Change Starts with You’. The resource was designed in collaboration with young people, for young people aged 13-18, and has been popular with young people in the North. It aims to give young people the knowledge and tools to promote gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence. It covers topics including:

family violence
types of violence
the link between gender inequality and gender-based violence
gender stereotypes
bystander action
respectful relationships
sex and consent
responding to disclosures
family violence and the law.

Download the Change Starts with You resource:

Download Youth Resource

Violence Against Women is Preventable

A bystander is someone who sees or hears about an act of sexism, harassment, discrimination, or any other form of inappropriate or violent behaviour.

People who witness this behaviour (but are not involved either as perpetrators or victims/survivors) are in a position to be powerful allies in challenging sexist and discriminatory behaviours and attitudes.

Bystander action refers to ‘how’ a bystander calls out, or engages others in responding to incidences of violence, sexism, harassment, or discrimination. There is no ‘right way’ to be an active bystander. Depending on the situation at hand, various forms of intervention can be deployed, and a bystander should consider their own comfort and safety above all else.

Now that you know what you can do as a bystander, tell us if you will be an active bystander when you see or hear harmful, inappropriate, or violent behaviours.

Get Help and Support

If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence or any other kind of abuse, reach out for help. Is someone in danger now? Call 000 for an emergency.

To find out about DPV Health’s Family & Domestic Violence support services, click here. To book an appointment, call 1300 234 263 or to send an enquiry, click here. If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence or any other kind of abuse, reach out for help.

Helpline Information

National Helplines

Name	Number	Hours	Services offered
1800 RESPECT	1800 737 732	24 hours a day 7 days a week	Confidential information, counselling and support service
Kids Helpline	1800 551 800	24 hours a day 7 days a week	Support for people aged 5 – 25
Beyond Blue	1300 22 4636	24 hours a day 7 days a week	Support for mental health
Mensline Australia	1300 789 978	24 hours a day 7 days a week	Relationship and family support for men and boys
WESNET	1800 937 638	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Women’s services network
Men’s Referral Service	1300 766 491	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Support for men who use violence and abuse
QLife Australia	1800 184 527	7 days 3pm – 12am	Peer support and referrals for LGBTIQ+ people

State Helplines

Name	Number	Hours	Services offered
The Orange Door	1800 271 151 or via email: hma@orangedoor.vic.gov.au	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Free service for those experiencing family violence in the Hume/Moreland area
Safe Steps	1800 015 188	24 hours a day 7 days a week	24/7 family violence response centre
Djirra	1800 105 303	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Aboriginal women’s service
Switchboard Victoria	1800 184 527	Every day 10am – 6pm	Support for LGBTQI+ people
Women’s Legal Service Victoria	03 8622 0600	Tues & Thurs 5:30pm – 7:30pm	Free legal services for women
Women’s Information Referral Exchange	1300 134 130	24 hours a day 7 days a week	Information, support and referrals for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people
Women’s Housing Ltd	(03) 9412 6868	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Helps women at risk of homelessness
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence	(03) 9413 6500	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Family violence service, specialised in people from multicultural communities
Dardi Munwurro	1800 435 799	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Healing and behavioural change for Aboriginal men and youth
Centre Against Sexual Assault	1800 806 292	After hours 5pm – 9am	Support and crisis line

Local Helplines

Name	Number	Hours	Services offered
Salvation Army Crossroads Family Violence Service	(03) 9353 1011	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Crisis intervention and family violence refuge
Merri Health Victims Assistance Program	1300 362 739	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Helps people who have experienced violence
Women’s Information Support & Housing in the North	(03) 8692 2020	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Support for those experiencing family violence or homelessness, or at risk of homelessness
Latrobe Community Health Service	1800 242 696	Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm	Provides a variety of services

Do you have any more questions?

1300 234 263

Change Starts with You