New Training Workshops to Enhance Front line Response to Domestic Violence in Pilbara

In a significant effort to improve support for victims of family and domestic violence in the Pilbara, a series of specialised training workshops are set to be launched in the coming months. The initiative, spearheaded by the non-profit organisation DVassist, aims to equip front line staff, primary responders, and other service providers with essential skills and knowledge. The free workshops will be conducted across various locations in the Pilbara, including Karratha and South Hedland, focusing on a range of topics crucial for effective response to domestic violence. The sessions will cater to different levels of expertise, from introductory courses for those new to the field to advanced workshops addressing nuanced aspects of support. Key areas of training will include risk management and safety planning, understanding coercive control, and trauma-informed responses to family and domestic violence. Additionally, the workshops will cover the unique help-seeking behaviors of women in regional, rural, and remote communities. CEO of DVassist, Ella Ailenei highlighted the importance of these workshops for professionals in the Pilbara, where access to professional development can be limited. “People living and working in these areas face a unique set of challenges that are different from those in urban centres like Perth,” Ms Ailenei said. “When it comes to family and domestic violence, we must consider these differences when providing professional development as this will inevitably improve the support they provide to victim-survivors in their local communities.” In addition to enhancing first responders skills, the workshops will address vicarious trauma and self-care. Ms Ailenei said it was essential front line workers knew how to identify symptoms of vicarious trauma. “Vicarious trauma is a normal response to ongoing exposure to traumatic material, and it is important that front line workers and professionals know how to recognise its symptoms and differentiate it from compassion fatigue and burnout,” she said. She also stressed the necessity for workplaces to implement systems and strategies that safeguard workers’ mental health and maintain a healthy work environment. The workshops will be held at different venues: Karratha from September 11 to 13, 2024, at the EPIC office, and South Hedland on November 19 and 20, 2024, at the Youth Involvement Council HQ. The sessions are supported by local community partners, including the Youth Involvement Council, EPIC, and Hedland Women’s Refuge, who have generously provided free venues, catering, and additional support. This initiative has been made possible through funding from the Stan Perron Foundation, underscoring the commitment to improving domestic violence support in regional areas. For more information or to register for a workshop, interested parties can email ceo@dvassist.org.au or visit DVassist’s social media pages and website.