Responding to an increasing need for family services and support relating to family violence, the Berwick Church of Christ, the Winepress, The Salvation Army Cranbourne Community Church and the Turning Point Family Church in Cranbourne, in partnership with the City of Casey, the Cardinia Casey Community Health Service and the Casey Pastors network, are involved

in the Say No to Family Violence program.

One of the program's participants, Norma Cayzer, of Cranbourne's Turning Point Family Church, said churches often came face to face with family violence.

"We see the extent of the problem because of our welfare services and strong community focus, and we often come into contact with victims of family violence and see the effect it has on families," she said.

"We are community based and we see what goes on around us in the community."

City of Casey manager community care and health promotion Sophia Petrov said family violence was a universal problem that cut across all layers of society.

"It is a major public health issue and can cause emotional, mental, physical and social problems for those involved," she said.

Research shows that one in five women is subject to violence in their lifetime, with domestic violence the leading preventable contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44.

Ms Petrov said the churches were working together to address family violence by developing programs to promote respectful non-violent relationships.

The programs also provide training for people within the church who are dealing with victims of family violence. Information kits will also be developed.

Berwick Church of Christ's senior pastor, Barry Cutchie, said the program would help churches understand some of the problems challenging families, provide support to victims, and give practical strategies and "real answers".

As part of the project, the churches developed a poster encouraging the community to 'say no to family violence'.

Last term, the program participants underwent extensive training in helping and supporting victims of family violence, and working with families and individuals to reduce the incidence of violence.

This term, participants have been writing up the program, which will be implemented in the new year.

"It's all about creating healthy communities and keeping people safe," said Mrs Cayzer.