International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Social Services Regulator (SSR) stands with all those working to address violence, support victim survivors, and promote respect and equality.

Social Services Regulator, Jonathan Kaplan, acknowledged the vital role that social services play in supporting women and their children who experience violence.

“Family violence, sexual assault and children’s services do life-changing work to address gender-based violence in our state,” said Jonathan Kaplan, Social Services Regulator.

More than one in three Victorian women have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15, while almost a third have experienced violence from a partner they live with – and nearly one woman is killed every fortnight due to family violence.

In 2023, police reported that women and girls were the victim survivor in:

• 83% of sexual offending victim reports
• 74% of family violence incidents.

We know violence comes in many forms, inclusive of digital environments, and is exacerbated by intersectional experiences.

Jonathan Kaplan, said one action social service providers can take today is reflecting on how their services are safe for women and their children.

“We know victim survivors engage with many parts of the social service system. No matter how women and their children who experience family violence, sexual assault or abuse seek help from social services, the services they access must uphold their rights and agency and also have a workforce with the capability to provide safe services with care and skill.” said Jonathan Kaplan.

The Social Services Standards are a consistent set of obligations that social service providers in Victoria must meet. Guidance, including fact sheets and a self-assessment tool, are available to support service providers in taking action to ensure their compliance.

“Today brings an opportunity for service providers to reflect on how their services ensure women, and their children, who are victims in their own right – feel safe, included, and empowered while accessing a service – and that they feel confident to speak up if not,” said Jonathan Kaplan.

The SSR regulates the Social Services Standards, which set out the expectations that all registered social service providers must meet to ensure safety, dignity and accountability for people who access their services.

This International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, social service providers can take action in the following ways:

• Access our guidance materials on meeting the Social Services Standards.
• Use our self-assessment tool to evaluate compliance with the Social Service Standards.
• Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates about further resources, guidance or events.

The SSR is committed to ensuring safe, fair and respectful socials services for women and their children, and all Victorians.

Find out more about taking action on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, how you can join Respect Victoria’s Walk Against Violence on Friday 28 November 2025 and UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Where to get help

• If you are experiencing, or you think you may be at-risk of experiencing family violence:
  - Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre provides confidential support and information for women and children living with family violence or to anyone who knows a person living with family violence. Call 1800 015 188 (toll free).
  - The Orange Door provides services for women, children and young people experiencing family violence and families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children.
• If you have experienced, think you may have experienced, or know someone who has experienced sexual assault, you should call Victoria's 24-hour sexual assault crisis line – 1800 806 292 (free call in Victoria).
• If you are or you know someone who is in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.