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.

GenWest partners with organisations to embed best-practice approaches to preventing gender-based violence and family vio...
09/09/2026

GenWest partners with organisations to embed best-practice approaches to preventing gender-based violence and family violence at a strategic and policy level. Whether you're developing or reviewing internal policies, designing prevention frameworks, or strengthening your organisational response, our consultants bring specialist expertise to support meaningful, lasting change.

We also provide tailored compliance support, including:

👉 Gender Equality Act 2020 — guidance on meeting your obligations under the Act, including gender impact assessments, action planning, and reporting

👉 Gender and diversity compliance — practical support to help organisations meet their broader obligations and embed inclusive, equitable practice across policy and strategy

Our consultants work alongside your team to ensure approaches are evidence-based, intersectional, and suited to your organisational context.

Why choose GenWest?

GenWest is one of the few organisations in Victoria working across the full family violence continuum, from primary prevention to recovery and healing.

This gives us a strong, practical understanding of how the system operates and the different needs of people who use it.

Our training and consultancy services are informed by frontline service delivery, lived experience and sector knowledge. We focus on practical, evidence-based approaches that support organisations to strengthen practice, meet obligations and improve outcomes.

All profits from our training and consultancy services are reinvested into our health promotion and primary prevention programs, family violence services and advocacy work.

Through these projects and programs, we work towards achieving equity and justice for people in Melbourne’s west.

Visit learnhub.genwest.org.au/book-a-consultant to find out more about how we can work together.

Deepika is a member of GenWest’s Survivor Advisory Group and is committed to supporting multicultural communities to rec...
08/09/2026

Deepika is a member of GenWest’s Survivor Advisory Group and is committed to supporting multicultural communities to recognise family violence, and to destigmatise it.

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.

Deepika spoke of the importance of education in communities to improve their ability to recognise and respond to family violence in all its forms.

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

Ask Me Anything is an open, positive and judgement-free zone where young people can anonymously ask GenWest’s Sexual and...
07/09/2026

Ask Me Anything is an open, positive and judgement-free zone where young people can anonymously ask GenWest’s Sexual and Reproductive Health team about s*x, s*xual and reproductive health, identity, bodies, relationships, consent, and more.

The questions are answered by GenWest’s professional s*xologists and health promotion workers.

If you’re a young person, ask us a question! Or if you know a young person, share the website with them.

You can view the full list of questions and responses on our website: genwest.org.au/AMA

The information on Ask Me Anything is intended for young people aged 16+ and provides general education and information only. It is not a substitute for medical or legal advice.

If you want to feel more confident talking to young people about s*x, consent, pleasure and the law, you can complete our free online module, Consent Compass: genwest.org.au/consent-compass

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:

đź“ž For Sunshine and Melton locations, call 1800 271 046
đź“ž 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

đź”— For more information, visit ausalert.gov.au

đź”— 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

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when GenWest posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share