Family violence support

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Women's Health West hosts a range of services for women and children in the Western Metropolitan Region affected by family and domestic violence. Phone us for information and referral to a wide range of services.

One of these services provides counselling to children and young people directly.

New information on how trauma affects children and young people shows that family violence can impact on their emotional and psychological development. There evidence that violence has an impact on children whether they are exposed to it or whether it is inflicted on them, since it is living in an environment of fear that is most damaging.

The degree to which each child is affected depends on a number of factors, including their age, and the duration of the exposure to violence. Having strong attachment figures that are safe to the child and other social and family supports can increase the resilience of a child and help recovery from traumatic events.

Women's Health West offers responsive, supportive counselling for children who have experienced family violence and trauma.

Two specialist children counsellors can receive referrals from professionals and mothers directly from the West via Women's Health West Intake system.

HOW TO REFER A CHILD

You can contact Women's Health West by phone and ask to speak to the intake worker. The intake worker, who is experienced in the area of family violence, will speak with you about your enquiry and write down your concerns about your child. They will then take you and your child's details. These details are then passed on to the children's counsellors to ensure that we are the most appropriate service. After this, a counsellor will get in touch with you.

Call us for information and referral during business hours on 9689 9588.
If you need support outside business hours, call 9373 0123 or 1800 015 188.
If you need an interpreter, first call the Telephone Interpreter Service (24 hours) on 131 450. They will connect you with the service you want

FIND OUT MORE about specific services that Women's Health West can refer women and children affected by family violence.

FIND OUT MORE about other services available in the Western Region and beyond through our Community Directory.

The Choosing Positive Paths Parents Information Kit provides a range of information for parents or carers of children who have been affected by family violence, including tips, positive strategies and age-specific information.