Annie North has been operating crisis and transitional supported accommodation/refuge services for women and children who are escaping domestic and family violence, or who are homeless due to domestic and family violence, since 1989. Annie North has a state-wide catchment and is located within the Loddon region. The organisation is growing and is undergoing significant change with the recent development of a “Core and Cluster” 24-hour refuge facility complementing the existing high security refuge, medium security refuges and transitional properties.   Annie North also recently began delivering the Loddon Family Violence After Hours service.

Annie North provides a mix of short to long-term case management and therapeutic support to women and children residing in safe accommodation. The organisational operational focus is grounded in feminist understandings of domestic and family violence as gender-based violence against women. Annie North provides a 24 hour 7 day a week 365 days a year service providing a crisis response to women and children.

Domestic & Family Violence

Domestic and family violence is any form of abusive behavior that one person uses to establish and maintain control over another. It can take many forms including, but not limited to:

• Physical assault
• Sexual assault
• Verbal abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Spiritual control
• Financial control
• Threats and other intimidation
• Harming pets
• Stalking and harassment (including via technology)
• Social control and isolation
• Behavior which causes another person to live in fear

Domestic and family violence can occur within all relationships of a personal nature including heterosexual, same sex, marital, de facto, ex-relationships, and extended families. It can also occur between family members.