Children

In Australia, one child in four witnesses family violence.  Children of all ages are impacted by the fear, anxiety and trauma of witnessing violence and by the aggression of the perpetrator.

Emerge is one of the only family violence refuges in Victoria that provides therapeutic support for children of all ages, including the most vulnerable—infants and toddlers—with our infant mental health programs. Our children’s programs are a benchmark for family violence services in Victoria.

At Emerge, we offer child-focused therapy and case management to ensure the needs of the child are equal to the needs of the mother and recognise that by addressing the needs of the child when they enter refuge with their mother, they can begin the healing process.

Our dedicated children’s case managers work closely with children in refuge who have experienced family violence to help establish safety and minimise disruption following a highly stressful period by prioritising the health, medical and schooling needs of children.

Emerge has a team of play and arts therapists who support the children in our refuge and outreach services through a mix of arts, play and therapeutic counselling.

Among our programs focused on child well-being are: Safe Nest group (for infants aged 0-3 and their mothers) and a range of individual, group and family therapies to meet the different needs of children who have experience family violence.