Family violence

Family violence is a health issue that affects people across the lifespan. It predominantly affects women and children. Bayside Health Alfred recognises that hospitals and health services have a key role in identifying and responding to family violence.

In Victoria we are required to work within the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment (MARAM)framework.

Family violence is defined as behaviour by a person towards a family member that:

  • Is physically or sexually abusive
  • Is emotionally or psychologically abusive
  • Is economically abusive
  • Is threatening or coercive or dominating
  • Causes fear

This definition also includes behaviours that cause a child to witness or hear or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence.

Resources

If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of these behaviours, help is available from several organisations. 

  • If you’re in an emergency, please call triple zero (000)
Safe Steps - Family Violence Response Centre
Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. P: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
The Orange Door
The Orange Door provides help for people who are experiencing or using family violence or who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people. Phone: 1800 319 353
No to Violence
No to Violence (NTV) is the peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end their violence and abuse towards family members in Victoria and New South Wales.
Better Place Australia
Better Place supports people over 65 experiencing family violence through mediation, psychological counselling, financial counselling, and relationship programs.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) is a statewide, after-hours, confidential telephone counselling service for people who have experienced sexual assault.
Djirra
Djirra is an Aboriginal community-operated organisation supporting Aboriginal people experiencing family violence in Victoria. Phone: 1800 105 303
InTouch
A state-wide specialist family violence service for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, providing case management, training and help to navigate Australian systems.
Rainbow Door (LGBTIQA+ Community)
Rainbow Door is a free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians. Their friends and families with Mental Health and Family Violence support.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service

Information Sharing Schemes

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS)

Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS)

All requests for the release of information pertaining to these schemes must be done so by an authorised Information Sharing Entity (ISE) and/or Risk Assessment Entity (RAE).  The requesting authorised person/agency will be verified by Bayside Health Alfred prior to the release of any information.

To request information pertaining to these schemes complete the Information Sharing Scheme Request and email to: infosharing@alfred.org.au.

Information Sharing Scheme Request Form
254 KB

For further information regarding an information sharing scheme enquiry contact Ph: 9076 8163.

For Freedom of Information or Medico-Legal requests, contact Legal Support Services Ph: 9076 5149.

For other Release of Information requests contact Health Information Services Ph: 9076 2644.

Maternity service

Maternity services at Sandringham Hospital are now provided by Bayside Health Alfred as of the 1st of July 2026 (previously Monash Health). If your Information Sharing Scheme request is related to maternity services at Sandringham Hospital, please submit your request as per previously mentioned instructions.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Child Protection

All requests under section 192 (Children, Youth and Families Act 2005) need to be sent through to Alfred Care Group Legal Support Services: lss@alfred.org.au

All requests made using the CISS or FVISS please complete the form and submit request as per previously mentioned instructions.