GEGAC’s Family Violence Workers at the Orange Door, Edwin Kelly and Kylie Mills.
You don’t need to be confused about what the Orange Door is, or what it does.
If you are affected by family violence or family abuse in any way, the Orange Door is the place where you can get advice, support or immediate help.
Simple.
It’s the one message that GEGAC’s Family Violence Practitioner at the Orange Door, Kylie Mills, has for women in community that are experiencing any form of family abuse.
(In the vast majority of situations, family violence is perpetrated by men against women and children.)
“Just give me a call, or come in,” Kylie says. “It just starts with a conversation. I’ll listen to you, and then we can talk about what support is available, depending on where you are at and what you want to happen.”
“Everything that happens depends on your situation and what you want to do. The process is 100% client-led.”
Kylie from the Orange Door will be one of our many friends and partners you can meet at GEGAC’s 16 Days of Activism event against gender-based violence from 12 – 3pm on Tuesday, November 26.
Empowering Voices will be a safe space to heal for women and families, with health and wellness activities, kids’ entertainment, and a roast lunch.
For more info about the event call Freya King on 5150 0700 or email freya.king@gegac.org.au
The Orange Door office is at 148-150 Main St, Bairnsdale, and the phone number there is 1800 512 358.
The Orange Door is not Child Protection.
The Orange Door provides help for people who are experiencing family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children.
What does that help look like?
In the immediate moment it can be things like:
- Getting a locksmith to change home locks
- A personal safety device
- Emergency accommodation
- Transportation
- Vouchers for food and clothing
- Assistance with children in school
“The goal is that women and children experiencing family abuse do not have to go back to the home where the perpetrator is,” Kylie says. “Step one is to provide the woman and any children with a place where they are safe. After that, we can look further into the future.”
Kylie says it is important for Aboriginal women experiencing family violence or abuse to know it is their decision whether they are referred to GEGAC’s family violence services, or to another agency.
“We understand that some women in community will know many of the staff working at GEGAC, and this may not be the most comfortable situation for them for whatever reason. And that’s okay.”
“Once you walk into the Orange Door, whatever happens next is up to you. We just want women to know that the support is there for them, when they need it.”