GenWest

GenWest GenWest is a family violence support service. We support communities to lead safe and healthy lives, by running social and health education programs.

We support people based in Melbourne’s west.

Lea is a survivor advocate and member of GenWest’s survivor advisory group. She experienced violence perpetrated by her ...
12/08/2026

Lea is a survivor advocate and member of GenWest’s survivor advisory group. She experienced violence perpetrated by her husband over a period of 30 years.

She feels there is a lack of recognition of the impacts of financial and emotional abuse. Funding, services, and media stories frequently highlight the impact of physical violence, but the very real impacts of non-physical violence are also lasting, and better awareness and support are needed.

Lea found a supportive network by joining GenWest’s Sunrise program. While Lea has highly valued being part of this program, she also wishes there were better long-term supports available for victim survivors. “Someone to keep you on track later on”, she told us, would make all the difference. The impacts of Lea’s experience will be with her forever; her healing journey is ongoing.

GenWest's advisory groups give advice to help make our service the best it can be.
The advisory groups help us as we support people in Melbourne's west to live safe, healthy lives free from violence

We have the privilege of sharing the stories of some of the advisory group members.

Each of the stories shared with us is unique, but common themes emerged throughout the listening process. All of the survivor advocates are on a lifelong journey of healing and recovery from their experiences of violence. All are hopeful that sharing their stories will support other victim survivors on this journey.

Read more stories from GenWest’s Survivor Advisory Group members at: genwest.org.au/survivor-stories

Join GenWest as a Specialist Family Violence Practitioner within our Crisis and Case Management Services. As a Specialis...
04/08/2026

Join GenWest as a Specialist Family Violence Practitioner within our Crisis and Case Management Services.

As a Specialist Family Violence Practitioner, you will be responsible for the delivery of family violence case management support to victim survivors of family violence. You will develop case plans that address victim survivor risk and the impact that family violence has had on their lives.

Practitioners are required to work within a trauma-informed practice environment and will think creatively about how to increase the safety of victim survivors, ensuring their support needs are met.

Key responsibilities include:

👉 Developing and reviewing case plans that reflect client goals within expected service delivery timelines, including crisis, brief and longer-term responses.
👉 Undertaking comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning.
👉 Providing information to victim survivors of family violence to support them in understanding the service system and navigating barriers to assistance.
👉 Providing crisis support and advocacy for victim survivors experiencing family violence.
👉 Assisting in service and justice system navigation and undertaking advocacy on behalf of victim survivors to mitigate gaps in service response.

To see the full list of key responsibilities and selection criteria, download the position description from our website: genwest.org.au/jobs (link in bio).

We also have some tips on our website to help you with your application.

If you think you'd be a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply!

GenWest works within a feminist framework, supporting people in Melbourne's west to live safe and healthy lives. Join us as we work towards gender justice and change.

Family violence is a pattern of behaviour involving power, control, fear, intimidation, abuse and coercion. It is overwh...
24/07/2026

Family violence is a pattern of behaviour involving power, control, fear, intimidation, abuse and coercion. It is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men, against women and children.

Using violence is a choice.

The choice to hurt, threaten or control someone is never justified, no matter the circumstances. It is an abuse of power and trust.

Leaving isn't a single decision; it's a process, and it needs careful safety planning. Leaving can be the most dangerous time for a victim survivor.

When a victim survivor needs to think about children, pets, housing and money, leaving is not always simple and safe. But it is possible.

If you are experiencing family violence, we believe you and help is available.

We are part of The Orange Door network, which means that our family violence intake support services are based at Orange Door locations across Melbourne's west. Orange Door services in Melbourne’s west:

📞 For Sunshine and Melton locations, call 1800 271 046
📞 For Werribee and Footscray locations, call 1800 271 045

The Orange Door is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays).

If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance help.

To speak to someone outside business hours, contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response Service on 1800 015 188.

If you need an interpreter, call the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450.

Lauren shares her story to help others recognise family violence, and to support other survivors – especially children –...
23/07/2026

Lauren shares her story to help others recognise family violence, and to support other survivors – especially children – to know they haven’t done anything wrong and they are not alone.

Lauren is a member of GenWest’s Survivor Advisory Group. Lauren told us that it was only as an adult that she recognised that the experiences she had as a child were family violence, and that she was a survivor.

Lauren spoke about the importance of services like GenWest’s Children’s Counselling service, and that she is a keen advocate for better and more accessible services for child victim survivors.

GenWest's advisory groups give advice to help make our service the best it can be.
The advisory groups help us as we support people in Melbourne's west to live safe, healthy lives free from violence

We have the privilege of sharing the stories of some of the advisory group members.

Each of the stories shared with us is unique, but common themes emerged throughout the listening process. All of the survivor advocates are on a lifelong journey of healing and recovery from their experiences of violence. All are hopeful that sharing their stories will support other victim survivors on this journey.

Read more stories from GenWest’s Survivor Advisory Group members at: genwest.org.au/survivor-stories

AusAlert is Australia’s new national warning system.It sends emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during disa...
08/07/2026

AusAlert is Australia’s new national warning system.

It sends emergency messages to compatible mobile devices during disasters such as bushfires, severe weather and public health emergencies.

AusAlert messages share important information, but they could make hidden safety devices easier to find. These devices can include mobile phones, tablets, smart watches and personal safety devices.

If your devices are switched on during an emergency, an AusAlert will:
• make them vibrate
• play a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds
• turn the screen on automatically

This may happen even if the volume is turned down or your devices are on silent or do not disturb.

If you think it might not be safe for you or someone you care about to receive an AusAlert, you can:
• turn off your device or switch to aeroplane mode at least one hour before the testing (and leave it off for 24 hours)
• give the phone to a trusted friend or leave it somewhere safe before 27 July

Remember – you can still use wi-fi if your device is in aeroplane mode. If it doesn’t have aeroplane mode, turn it off instead.

Remember to also turn off any safety devices used by children in your care.

📞 If you’re worried about your immediate safety, call 000

🔗 For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au

🔗 For more support services, visit genwest.org.au/support-services

When Rakim first came to GenWest’s Children’s Counselling Program, expressing emotions felt overwhelming.Over time, thin...
26/06/2026

When Rakim first came to GenWest’s Children’s Counselling Program, expressing emotions felt overwhelming.

Over time, things began to change. 13-year-old Rakim* told us “I had more confidence in myself, and I didn't lash out so much. I could control my emotions more.”

Every counselling session GenWest offers gives children like Rakim a safe space to heal, grow and find their voice.

As one parent shared: “My children have discovered just how strong they are, and that it's ok to be sad. They are not afraid to speak up... I don't know where we'd be today if it wasn't for GenWest.”

Our Children's Counselling service supports hundreds of children every year, helping them to heal and recover from their experiences of family violence.

Waitlists are long though, and we need donations to enable us to support more children and young people like Rakim.

Donate to GenWest before 30 June, and help more children and families access life-changing support.: www.givenow.com.au/genwest_counselling

*name has been changed for safety and privacy purposes

The effects of family violence can stay with children long after the violence has ended.For many children, the fear, anx...
24/06/2026

The effects of family violence can stay with children long after the violence has ended.

For many children, the fear, anxiety and trauma remain long afterwards.

When children experience family violence, they need more than time to heal. They need specialist support.

GenWest's children's counselling program helps children heal and feel safe again.

Last year, we supported 322 children and young people impacted by family violence. But the waitlist to access this support can be months long.

This EOFY, your tax-deductible donation will help GenWest support more children to access the specialist support they need to recover and thrive.

Donate before 30 June and help a child feel safe again: www.givenow.com.au/genwest_counselling

After the whirlwind of Women Deliver 2026, we were honoured to host a post-conference gathering with our GenWest scholar...
21/05/2026

After the whirlwind of Women Deliver 2026, we were honoured to host a post-conference gathering with our GenWest scholarship recipients. It was a space to breathe, debrief, and translate the energy of a global movement into local action for Melbourne’s west.

The consensus in the group was clear: opened our hearts and minds. In a world that often feels fractured, our recipients spoke of the profound sense of belonging in a truly inclusive movement, where being a person of colour, non-binary, or trans wasn’t just 'accepted' but celebrated. We all felt seen. We all felt heard.

However, we didn't shy away from the weight of the world. We discussed the heavy realities we face as a collective: increasing rates of family violence, the rise of the "Manosphere" and anti-rights movements, bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, the climate crisis, and the responsibility we hold to protect the next seven generations, guided by Indigenous wisdom of long-term stewardship and care.

Women Deliver offered us enrichment and solidarity - alongside overwhelm and questions about how to enact global learnings in Melbourne's west. As a collective, we harnessed our overwhelm with a focused discussion on our 'Circle of Control', asking the question - What can we do right now, in our own communities? Read through the slides to see six powerful visions for a Melbourne’s west shared by the scholarship recipients.
Women Deliver offered us enrichment and solidarity - alongside overwhelm and questions about how to enact global learnings in Melbourne's west. As a collective, we harnessed our overwhelm with a focused discussion on our 'Circle of Control', asking the question - What can we do right now, in our own communities? Read through the slides to see six powerful visions for Melbourne’s west shared by the scholarship recipients.

The conversation is far from over. We left the session reminded that we hold immense collective wisdom. Together, we are building a more connected, safe, and thriving community.

Thank you to our incredible scholars, our commitment to you and our collective work towards gender equality doesn't end here.

Sign up for one of our sessions on Body safety: Keeping young children safe in community.These sessions support families...
19/05/2026

Sign up for one of our sessions on Body safety: Keeping young children safe in community.

These sessions support families to learn practical ways to keep children safe at home, in childcare, at school, and in the community. It has been created for parents and carers of children under 5 years old, but it will also be helpful for anyone who plays a role in caring for children.

We understand that raising children can look different in every culture. This workshop respects your values and builds on the strengths of your family and community.

In this session, you will learn:
🗨 How to talk with your children about bodies, respect, and safety.
❓ The right questions to ask at childcare.
🤝 Who can help if you need support.
📝 Simple steps to help your children grow up safe in Australia, while building on the strengths of your family and community.

The session will be delivered in partnership with Body Safety Australia. Body Safety Australia is a trusted organisation that supports families, schools, and communities to help children grow up safe and respected.

Limited spots available.

Childcare is available for the in-person session - let us know when you register.

To read more and register, click the link in our bio or visit our website at genwest.org.au/news-and-events/body-safety-sessions-2026

11 May 2026 is Are You Safe at Home Day.This May, start the conversation. Anyone can experience family violence. And any...
10/05/2026

11 May 2026 is Are You Safe at Home Day.

This May, start the conversation. Anyone can experience family violence. And anyone can help end it.

We all deserve to be safe, respected and valued in all our relationships. But sadly, family violence is more common than we realise.

Because abuse often happens out of sight, it's often the people closest to a person - their friends, family, neighbours or colleagues - who are the first to notice something is wrong.

If you're worried about someone you know, it can be hard to know what to do. But trust your gut. If something feels wrong, chances are you're right.

You don't need to be an expert to help end family violence. By just asking, listening and believing, you can make an enormous impact.

Are You Safe at Home is an initiative of Safe and Equal.

Address

Wurundjeri Country, 317-319 Barkly Street
Footscray, VIC
3011

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800436937

Website

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