The term Aboriginal is used on this page when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.
There is a range of support services available to Aboriginal people in Victoria.
These services provide confidential and culturally safe support. They are specifically tailored to the experiences and needs of Aboriginal people.
Available support services
The following support services provide advice and information about:
- victims of crime
- family violence
- legal advice and advocacy
- child protection and out of home care
- mental health and wellbeing
- housing
- finances
- health
- gambling
- children, young people, and families
- cultural strengthening.
Aborigines Advancement League (AAL)
AAL offers many programs including family services, advocacy, funerals, and housing. They also provide advice to government on policy and service development.
Contact AAL:
- Call (03) 9480 7777.
- Visit the AAL website.
Djirra
Djirra provides specialist family violence support and legal services to Aboriginal women and their children. They also provide cultural and wellbeing workshops and programs.
Contact Djirra:
- Call 1800 105 303 - Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
- Visit the Djirra website.
Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Services
Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Services offers holistic family violence support to Aboriginal women and their children. They can assist with housing, financial difficulties, child protection concerns, and education matters.
Contact Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Services:
- Call 1800 364 297 - 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Visit the Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women's Services website.
Marra Yattakunar Pathway
The Marra Yattakunar Pathway provides help to Aboriginal victims of violent crime in Victoria.
The Pathway offers assistance with Financial Assistance Scheme applications. They also help to develop cultural support plans, to ensure a person’s recovery needs are understood in the process and outcome.
Contact the Marra Yattakunar Pathway:
- Call 1800 849 778 - Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5.30pm.
- Visit the Marra Yattakunar Pathway website.
Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA)
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is a service that assists Aboriginal children, young people, families, and community members.
They provide:
- cultural strengthening programs
- family services
- support for child out-of-home care
- family violence support
- justice and legal services
- housing support.
Contact VACCA:
- Call (03) 9287 8800 - Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
- Visit the VACCA website.
Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VASCAL)
VASCAL offers a range of services to the Aboriginal community, including housing support and advocacy. VASCAL also provides advice to other Aboriginal organisations and government.
Contact VASCAL:
- Call (03) 9416 4266 - Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm. Friday, 9am-4pm.
- Visit the VASCAL website.
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) offers medical, dental and social services to the Aboriginal community. VAHS also provide gambling support services.
Contact VAHS:
- Call (03) 9419 3000 - Monday to Thursday, 9am-5pm. Friday, 9am-4pm.
- Visit the VAHS website.
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) provides Aboriginal people in Victoria access to:
- legal advice
- legal information
- referrals through duty and case work.
The solicitors at VALS specialise in Criminal Law, Family Law or Civil Law.
Contact VALS:
- Call 1800 064 865 - 7 days a week, 24 hours.
- Visit the VALS website.
Victims of Crime
Specialised legal advice and support for Aboriginal victims of crime in Victoria. Programs include the Marra Yattaknuar Pathway, Aboriginal Victims Assistance Support Workers, and the Koori Family Violence and Victim’s Support Program.
Contact Victims of Crime:
- Call 1800 819 817 - Monday to Friday, 8am-7pm. Saturday to Sunday and public holidays, 8am-5pm.
- Visit the Victims of Crime website.
Yarning SafeNStrong
Yarning SafeNStrong offers Aboriginal Victorians crisis support. They provide confidential phone counselling services that focuses on wellbeing.
Contact Yarning SafeNStrong:
- Call 1800 959 563 - 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Visit the Yarning SafeNStrong website.
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