Safe, trauma-informed support for people impacted by family violence 

Doncare provides specialist family violence counselling for individuals, children and families who have experienced or are experiencing family violence. Our service offers a safe, and confidential space to help you navigate trauma, strengthen wellbeing and support recovery — at your own pace. 

How we help 

Family violence can have lasting impacts on emotional wellbeing, relationships, safety, housing and financial security. Doncare’s Specialist Family Violence Counselling supports people affected by family violence through compassionate, trauma-informed counselling and practical support. 

Our counsellors understand the complexities of family violence, including coercive control, and work alongside you to support safety, healing and choice. 

You can self-refer or be referred by a professional or service.  Complete your request online now.

What is Family Violence?  

Family violence includes a range of behaviours used to control, dominate or cause harm within family or intimate relationships. Read more...  

Who the Service Is For  

This service may be right for you if you are: 

• An adult who has experienced family violence 

• A parent or caregiver impacted by family violence 

• A child or young person affected by family violence 

• Experiencing coercive control, emotional or financial abuse 

• Seeking support during or after separation 

• Looking for support with past or current experiences 

You do not need to be in crisis to access counselling. 

Our Approach 

Doncare’s Specialist Family Violence Counselling is: 

• Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented 

• Person-centred and strengths-based 

• Culturally safe and inclusive 

• Child-aware and family-sensitive 

• Delivered by experienced specialist counsellors 

We prioritise safety, dignity and choice, and work at a pace that feels right for you. 

What Counselling May Include 

Support may include: 

• Trauma-informed counselling and emotional support 

• Support to understand the impacts of trauma 

• Raising awareness of risk and safety planning 

• Strengthening coping strategies and resilience 

• Support for you within the context of your relationships 

• Referrals to specialist family violence services when needed 

Access, Referrals & Cost  

Funded and low-cost counselling options 

Doncare provides funded Specialist Family Violence Counselling for eligible clients, as well as low-cost counselling options where funded places are not available. 

We aim to ensure people can access support when they need it, regardless of financial circumstances.  

We accept referrals from a range of family violence and community service providers such as The Orange Door, FVREE, Anglicare and Uniting. 

You can self-refer or be referred by a professional or service.  Complete your request online now.

Our intake team will discuss available options with you and help identify the most appropriate pathway based on your needs, safety and circumstances.