A woman being subjected to family violence has the problem of where to go (especially if she has children) if she wishes to escape from the place where she is living.

There are refuges as well as halfway houses for women in emergency situations that provide free short-term accommodation (for women and their children), advice and counselling, legal assistance, help in applying for pensions and obtaining work, and generally assisting women to start a new life. There is usually no means test and the only prerequisite is the woman's immediate need. Women's refuges are available to all women in need regardless of whether they are married or not or whether or not they have children. Unfortunately, demand exceeds supply, so women can also seek priority housing through the DHS or local councils.

There are also counselling and support services available for violent men. The Men's Referral Service operates a free, confidential information and referral service Victoria-wide (see: "Contacts", below).