Georgina Martina Inc
Cultures, communities and people thriving beyond violence.
About GMI
We are a not-for-profit, community-based organisation that provides specialist family violence services including case management support and crisis accommodation to victim survivor adults and children impacted by family violence. GMI operate two high security core and cluster refuge facilities and a number of crisis accommodation properties in the north of Melbourne, Victoria.
We began around 50 years ago with the purchase of Georgina with money bequeathed by Georgina Sweet. Georgina was one of the first women to complete a science degree at University of Melbourne and passionate about assisting disadvantaged women.
Martina, our second refuge was purchased by the State Government about 30 years ago and auspiced by the Georgina Collective. It was named after Martina Navratilova, a high-profile sportswoman from a multicultural background who was a philanthropist, openly gay and advocated for the rights of the lesbian, bisexual and gay communities.
In 2008, we moved from two collectives to a new organisation – Georgina Martina Inc. And while we were no longer feminist collectives the core feminist principles still guide the organisation today.
In 2015 the Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted the need for major reforms within the family violence sector and made 227 recommendations, which the government of the day committed to implement. One of the recommendations – number 15 – called for the replacement of communal living refuge properties to ‘core and cluster’ facilities. This model of refuge allowed families the dignity of privacy in their own unit with a kitchen and bathroom instead of one room and shared amenities. Both our core and cluster refuges have BBQs, a playground, garden areas and, a communal multipurpose room for shared activities and separate counselling rooms to aid in healing and recovery.
GMI complies with Child Safe Standards and aligns with relevant legislation and Practice Frameworks to ensure children’s safety, needs and voices are at the centre of our practice, in partnership with their caregivers.
GMI’s Strategic Focus
In 2022 the GMI Board endorsed our strategic direction for the next four years. Our purpose is to create safe and inclusive spaces that provide the resources and opportunities for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence to heal and grow independently.
To accomplish this we work within four strategic pillars:
- Our People
- Our Clients
- Our Connections
- Our Future
Read more by downloading our Strategic Plan and Annual Reports
GMI recognises the Wurundjeri People as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we provide our services. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We are proud to be part of the RAP Network.
We acknowledge the countless women and children who have experienced family violence. We recognise that it is because of their courage to stand up and asked for help that we have the services today. We honour their stories which continue to inspire and drive our work.
GMI is committed to providing inclusive and non-discriminatory services to victim-survivors from all backgrounds who identify as women and people whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned at birth, including trans, non-binary, intersex and other gender diverse individuals. We support all accompanying children and young people under 18 years.
GET HELP
What is family violence?
Family Violence Protection Act 2008 defines family violence as behaviour towards a family member that is physically, emotionally, sexually, economically or psychologically abusive. It includes behaviour that is threatening, coercive, controlling, or dominating.
Our service delivery model focuses on holistic trauma informed support for clients impacted by family violence. We provide culturally sensitive support through the following:
- Crisis and medium-term accommodation
- Advocacy and referral
- Collaborative, intensive case management
Where to get help
GMI does not receive direct enquiries from the community. To get help please contact the following services:
- If you are in immediate danger please call 000
- 1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counseling, information and support service that provides 24/7 support on the telephone, through text, chat online or via the website. They can support people seeking information, provide safety planning or assist in finding services. - Safe Steps
Safe Steps is a 24/7 Family Violence Phone Line that can support people to understand family violence risks, explore safety options and make appropriate and timely referrals to services to meet your specific and individual needs. Safe Steps can connect people to GMI’s services.
You can contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or visit their website on safesteps.org.au
- Orange Door
The Orange Door network aims to be accessible, safe and welcoming, providing access to support for adults, children and young people who are experiencing family violence. Services available at The Orange Door include risk and needs assessment, safety planning and crisis support. The Orange Door can connect people to GMI’s services.
See the full list of locations for help and support. People can visit The Orange Door in person or phone or email for access to support.
Contact us
Want to drop us a line?
Please do not include any client information or referral information via this platform. All referral enquiries are to go through the Orange Door or Safe Steps, listed above
