Statewide Disability and Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative

Women and their children may require immediate disability support to access a family violence crisis accommodation response, while exploring longer term housing and support options. Or they may require immediate disability support to remain safe in their own home.

Through the initiative, short-term funds can be provided for up to 12 weeks, to a maximum of $9,000 per person, while the woman and her family violence worker develop a longer term plan.

How to apply for disability and family violence crisis response

• Contact Disability and Family Violence Crisis Response
  Disability Family Violence Liaison Officer
  (03) 9843 6304 Mobile: 0437 741 920
  Disabilityfv@dhhs.vic.gov.au
• A family violence worker will determine that a woman or her child/ren have a disability as defined by the Disability Act (2006)
   
• A referral will be made to the disability and family violence liaison officer (during business hours), or the Safe steps family violence response centre (24 hours a day, seven days a week)
   
• The family violence liaison officer can, where appropriate, approve short-term funds for disability related supports such as attendant care, hire of equipment, sign/Auslan interpreting or transport costs.

Note: If victims of family violence are not eligible under the Disability Act (2006), but are in need of support, a referral will still be made to the disability and family violence liaison officer.

The liaison officer is also available to discuss specific situations or concerns and can provide advice regarding the initiative and the disability support system.