The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, established in 2016 through the merger of Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault and Minerva Community Services, is a not-for-profit organization based in Geelong, Horsham, and Footscray, offering a comprehensive range of free and confidential services for individuals impacted by sexual assault and family violence in the Barwon, Wimmera, and Western Melbourne regions of Victoria. The organization’s experienced staff are dedicated to supporting clients in their recovery, addressing the negative impacts of violence, and empowering individuals to regain control over their lives.
Committed to a vision of a community free from sexual assault and family violence, The SAFV Centre provides 24-hour immediate crisis responses, trauma-informed counseling, case management support, early intervention programs for children and young people, and professional training sessions aimed at promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. The organization’s philosophy emphasizes that sexual assault and family violence are never acceptable, constituting violations of human rights and crimes against individuals and society. The SAFV Centre believes in the importance of community-wide efforts to prevent and eliminate such violence.
With a focus on delivering specialized support services, including refuge and housing assistance, legal services, and primary prevention initiatives, The SAFV Centre is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals impacted by sexual and family violence receive the necessary care and support. Through the Victims Assistance Program, the organization extends its services to all victims of crime in the Barwon and South West regions, underscoring its commitment to providing holistic support to clients and their families. Donations to The SAFV Centre are gratefully received, enabling the organization to offer further comfort and assistance to those accessing its services.