The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre Wimmera

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre Wimmera The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (formerly Barwon CASA/Minerva) is a specialist sexual assault family violence service located in Horsham.

We provide high quality sensitive and responsive services to women and children who have experienced and been impacted by family violence and to people who have experienced and been impacted by sexual assault

We promote a community free from family violence and sexual assault, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights. We design and implement

effective evidence based prevention of violence against women and gender equality programs and initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the screening of Left Write Hook Film during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.The ...
29/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the screening of Left Write Hook Film during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The film offered a powerful glimpse into the journeys of eight female and gender-diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse, capturing stories of self-discovery, resilience, recovery, transformation and friendship.

It was a privilege to be joined in conversation after the screening by filmmaker Dr Donna Lyon and participant Nikki Sloan, who generously shared their lived experiences and reflected on the profound impact of the Left Write Hook program.

We are also incredibly grateful to Melissa Morris and Emma Kemp, who contributed their professional insights as local practitioners working in the prevention of gender-based violence and the recovery from sexual violence.

Together, these stories left a powerful impression on those who attended, sparking hope and inspiring action during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

A huge thank you to our partners, Women's Health Grampians and Wimmera South West Family Violence Partnership, for their support of this event.

Last chance to register! This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, join us for a screening of the award-winning Left Write Ho...
21/04/2026

Last chance to register!

This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, join us for a screening of the award-winning Left Write Hook film.

Stay after the screening for a live Q&A with filmmakers, survivors, and local sector leaders, exploring trauma recovery, survivor leadership, and innovative community programs.

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026

Time: Arrival from 12:30pm for light lunch and networking, screening 1pm – 3:30pm.

Location: Federation University (Auditorium), 289 Baillie St, Horsham

Registration essential https://events.humanitix.com/horsham-sexual-assault-awareness-month

Presented by The SAFV Centre and Left Write Hook, with support from Women’s Health Grampians and Wimmera South West Family Violence Partnership.

16/04/2026

We’re looking forward to hosting a special screening of the award-winning Left Write Hook film and live Q&A for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Screening: Wednesday 29 April, 12:30pm – 3:30pm

Location: Federation University (Auditorium), 289 Baillie St, Horsham

Includes live Q&A with local sector leaders, filmmakers and participants.

Registration essential: https://events.humanitix.com/horsham-sexual-assault-awareness-month

This event is presented by The SAFV Centre and Left Write Hook with support from Women's Health Grampians and Wimmera South West Family Violence Partnership.

Sexual violence is never okay, no matter the circumstances or situation. Our team will listen with respect and support y...
14/04/2026

Sexual violence is never okay, no matter the circumstances or situation.

Our team will listen with respect and support you to explore your options around what you would like to do next at your own pace.
You’re not alone. We’re here when you’re ready.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact The SAFV Centre on (03) 5381 1211 or email [email protected].

You can also visit www.safvcentre.org.au to learn more about the support options available.

Everyone has the right to be safe, equal and respected.Yet sexual violence is widespread and serious issue affecting our...
09/04/2026

Everyone has the right to be safe, equal and respected.

Yet sexual violence is widespread and serious issue affecting our communities.

Almost 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15, and according to the latest Victorian crime data, recorded sexual offences have increased by 23.7% since 2023.

Sexual violence can happen anywhere, to anyone and at any stage of life. It can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on people’s lives.

Anyone who experiences violence should be able to access support so they can be safe while they recover and go on to live happy, healthy, full and free lives.

In Victoria, specialist sexual assault support services provide critical support to thousands of people each year, including crisis lines, counselling, and tailored services for diverse communities.

You’re not alone, we’re here for you.

You can access support by calling The SAFV Centre on 03 5381 1211 or emailing [email protected]

We’re here for you this long weekend. Everyone deserves to celebrate safely, yet incidents of family violence consistent...
02/04/2026

We’re here for you this long weekend.

Everyone deserves to celebrate safely, yet incidents of family violence consistently spike over holiday periods, including Easter.

According to Victoria Police data, there were 1471 family violence incidents reported across Victoria between Good Friday and Easter Monday last year – the highest spike in incidents behind Christmas and New Year’s.

Check in with friends, family and neighbours this long weekend – and remember we’re here for you.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual or family violence you can contact our after-hours team on:
• Barwon: 03 5222 4318 or [email protected]
• Wimmera: 03 5381 1211 or [email protected]
• South West: 03 5561 1934 or [email protected]

In an emergency, please contact Police on 000

For more support you can contact Safe Steps (24/7) on 1800 015 188 (24/7) or email [email protected], Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7) on 1800 806 292 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

This week marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) a time to recognise the impacts of sexual violenc...
02/04/2026

This week marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) a time to recognise the impacts of sexual violence on our community and strengthen our collective commitment to prevention, healing, and recovery.

We invite you to join us this SAAM for a special screening of the award-winning Left Write Hook film and panel discussion. Hear from survivors, filmmakers, and local sector leaders as they share insights into trauma recovery, survivor leadership, and the role community play in supporting prevention and recovery.

📍 Wednesday 29 April, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
📍 Federation University (Auditorium), 289 Baillie St, Horsham
🎤 Live panel and Q&A with survivors, filmmakers, and sector leaders
📍 Free community event, lunch provided, registration essential https://events.humanitix.com/horsham-sexual-assault-awareness-month

Presented by The SAFV Centre and Left Write Hook, with support from Women’s Health Grampians and Wimmera South West Family Violence Partnership.

Today is Safer Internet Day! Technology is such a big part of daily life it’s where we learn, work, socialise and share ...
10/02/2026

Today is Safer Internet Day!

Technology is such a big part of daily life it’s where we learn, work, socialise and share our lives. But that also means online risks are part of everyday life.

For many people impacted by family and/or sexual violence, digital tools can be misused to monitor, control, harass or threaten.

Today reminds us that our online world should be a place of connection and safety, not harm. It is an opportunity to talk about what’s really happening online and support safer, more respectful technology use.

For more information visit eSafety Commissioner

If you or someone you know may be impacted by tech-based abuse or other forms of family and sexual violence please reach out for support www.safvcentre.org.au

Support is available during the holiday season.You can contact us on 03 5381 1211 or wimmera@safvcentre.org.au for suppo...
23/12/2025

Support is available during the holiday season.

You can contact us on 03 5381 1211 or [email protected] for support in the Wimmera region, 03 5222 4318 or [email protected] for support in the Barwon area, or 03 5561 1934 or [email protected] for support in the South West.

Our Horsham office will close at 3pm and Geelong and Warrnambool offices will close at 5pm on Wednesday 24 December and all reopen at 9am on Monday 29 December.

Our offices will also close at 5pm on Wednesday 31 December and reopen at 9am Friday 2 January.

During this time, our After-Hours Team will be available to support you, day and night.

There is never an excuse for violence.

For additional support:
In an emergency, please contact Police on 000
Safe Steps (24/7) on 1800 015 188 (24/7) or email [email protected]
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24/7) on 1800 806 292
1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732

03/10/2025

This is "Creating Safer Futures Webinar" by The SAFV Centre on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Address

25 Roberts Avenue
Horsham, VIC
3402

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