Who can use the Program?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Women and their children who are experiencing family violence. Non Aboriginal Women who are mother's of Aboriginal children. Non Aboriginal Women who have Aboriginal partners..

What is involved?

Our Outreach Program provides continuous & culturally secure supports to women & children who have experienced & who are experiencing family violence by delivering:

• Case management
• Court support
• Housing case work & assistance
• Risk assessments & safety planning
• Financial Counseling
• Woman's & Children's group work
• Community education
• Family violence awareness & information
• Emotional support & Counseling
• Advocacy on behalf of woman with DHS & VACCA related issues
• Supported Legal referrals
• Centrelink
• Supported Medical referrals

Court Support and Outreach Support Worker

Hi my name is Allara Taylor, I'm a proud Gundjamarra and Yorta Yorta women.

I have been employed by Elizabeth Hoffman Aboriginal Women's Services since May 2006. I first started working at the EHH Refuge as Welfare Worker, doing night shifts, after 2 months I moved to day shifts as Community Development Worker, I was given Acting Case Mangers position at refuge for 3 months until I moved to Outreach Support Worker and Court Support Worker in April last year.

I attend Heidelberg Court every Mondays and Tuesday to assist, advocate and support Indigenous women and their children who are affected by Family Violence to get Family Violence Intervention Orders.

My Court role consists of:

• Liaise closely with Court Registrar and Applicant Worker from Heidelberg Court.
• Support the women very closely through the court process,
• Assess Women's long- term risk assessment and safety plan will be developed for the woman and her children,
• Provide Intensive Outreach Support if needed,
• May need to refer the women to culturally relevant Legal Services, if that is what the women are after,
• Attend Family Violence Court Uses Meetings any other relevant meetings,
• Understanding of Domestic Violence, its complexities and consequences, particularly as they affect Aboriginal women and children and sensitivity to their needs,
• Understanding and Knowledge of Legal Aid Victoria policies in relation to grants of legal aid for people in domestic violence issues,
• Develop links with local Aboriginal Communities to promote the Court Service.