Our Story
Refuge Victoria is an independent not-for-profit organisation funded by the Victorian Government to provide refuge accommodation and support to those escaping family violence.
Our first refuge was established back in 1976 by community members and volunteers who sought to help women and children in our suburbs who were unsafe in their homes and needed a safe place to stay.
Over time, several separate refuges were established across Melbourne. Three of these refuges, along with the clients of a fourth, later came together to form Safe Futures Foundation in 2012. We have recently renamed and rebranded as Refuge Victoria to better reflect our core purpose.
We now operate three substantial refuge facilities with 18 independent units and 15 crisis properties situated throughout Victoria. Our partnerships with Community Housing and East Care provide nomination rights over a further 35 transitional properties.
We are experts in assessing and monitoring family violence risk while working alongside our clients on their pathway to a safer future.
Purpose
To provide refuge and support for those escaping family violence.
Vision
For people escaping family violence to live safe and free.
Mission
To help people escaping family violence on their journey to safety and freedom with individualised support from refuge to recovery.
Values
Compassionate, Empowering, Collaborative, Integrity, Committed