Violence, abuse and neglect services in Far West LHD

Report violence, abuse or neglect

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you can get help through the Domestic Violence Line.

Contact our Violence Abuse and Neglect Service at Broken Hill Community Health Centre on (08) 8080 1100 (8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or email fwlhd-van@health.nsw.gov.au.

You can call the 24-hour On Call Sexual Assault/DFV/Child Protection Crisis Response on (08) 8080 1300 or attend the 24-hour emergency department at Broken Hill Hospital for urgent sexual assault, DFV, or child protection presentations to FWLHD health services. In an emergency call 000.

To report a physical or sexual assault to police, contact your nearest police station. Police are trained to support people who have experienced sexual assault or domestic and family violence.

To report suspected abuse, neglect or sexual assault involving a child, call the 24-hour Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11.

Call the 24-hour NSW Domestic Violence Help Line on 1800 65 64 63 for information and support.

You are not alone. we are here to walk beside you - every step of the way. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, a friend, a child, or someone in your care, our team is ready to listen, respond and support.

Violence Abuse and Neglect Services

The Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) is committed to supporting individuals, children, families and communities affected by violence, abuse or neglect. Our Violence Abuse and Neglect Services (VANs) offer specialist, trauma-informed care that is culturally safe, responsive and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We provide support for recent and historical experiences of sexual assault, domestic and family violence (DFV), child protection concerns, and abuse across the lifespan.

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We provide support with:

• Crisis intervention and ongoing therapy
• Medical examinations and coordination
• Police and child protection reporting
• Court preparation and support
• Victims Services applications and Victim Impact Statements
• Supporting family members, carers, and non-offending parents

Statewide commitment: Culturally Safe, Trauma-Informed, and Collaborative

We work closely with Aboriginal health workers and community leaders to ensure culturally respectful care. Our services aim to be accessible and responsive, wherever you are in the Far West.

We are proud to be part of the NSW Health PARVAN Framework - a statewide approach to preventing and responding to violence, abuse and neglect. Learn more about PARVAN, IPARVAN Redesign and The NSW SAS Cultural Safety Roadmap.

Our Programs and Services

FWLHD VANS offers a comprehensive range of therapeutic, medical and advocacy services across the region, including:

24/7 Crisis Response

• Sexual assault, DFV and child protection response.
• Access to forensic medical examinations within 7 days.
• Crisis counselling and safety planning.

Sexual Assault Counselling and Medical Care

• For children, adolescents and adults.
• Forensic and therapeutic medical exams.
• Ongoing therapy, including for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Support

• Crisis intervention and safety planning.
• Ongoing trauma counselling.
• Support for families, children and non-offending caregivers.

Child Protection Counselling

• Specialist support for children and young people affected by abuse and neglect.
• Family therapy and education.

Therapeutic Services for Harmful Sexual Behaviour

• For children and young people (10-17) engaging in harmful sexual behaviour.
• Support for families and carers.
  • Safe Wayz Program
    • For children under 10 displaying problematic sexual behaviours.
    • While-family therapeutic support.
  • Newstreet Services
    • Intensive, specialised assessment and therapeutic intervention for young people (10-17) who have caused sexual harm.
    • Family engagement and safety planning.

Adult Survivor Program

• Long-term therapeutic support for adults recovering from childhood sexual abuse.
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based therapy.

Joint Child Protection Response Program (JCPRP)

• A multiagency team (Health, Police, Dept Criminal Justice) providing coordinated responses to serious child protection matters, including sexual abuse.

Child Wellbeing Coordinator

• Facilitates interagency collaboration.
• Supports early intervention and referral pathways for vulnerable children and families.

Pregnancy Family Conferencing

• Culturally responsive, family-led early intervention for unborn child protection concerns.
• Supports safe planning and connection to care and supports before birth.

Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) Health Pathways

• Comprehensive health assessments and care coordination for children and young people in OOHC.
• Working in partnership with carers, Dept Criminal Justice and health services.