Voices of DV-alert: Brooke Haseldine’s Journey in Domestic and Family Violence Training
Published on 26th of February 2025
Brooke Haseldine’s journey into domestic and family violence work began with a simple but powerful act - volunteering. As a former Trainer Facilitator with Lifeline Australia, Brooke traverses Western Australia, bringing essential education and support to those on the frontlines of this crisis. Her story is one of deep passion, commitment, and a drive to create meaningful change.
We sat down with Brooke to gain deeper insight into her journey as a Trainer Facilitator. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, advice, and what drives her passion for this work.
DV-alert: Brooke, what inspired you to work in domestic and family violence training?
Brooke: I've been working in the sector for several years now. I originally started as a volunteer telephone crisis supporter with Lifeline Australia, and I'm still doing that today. This experience took me down a beautiful career trajectory, where I ended up working with women who were homeless due to domestic and family violence. From here, I got into the training space. I now deliver an array of training for Lifeline Australia, and a big part of the work I do is in domestic and family violence.
DV-alert: What stands out to you about your experiences as a Trainer?
Brooke: The people I meet. The frontline workers who come into these sessions are doing incredible work with women, children, and families experiencing violence. Their dedication gives me so much hope.
I also love working alongside our training partners in the DV-alert 1-day focused workshops. Learning from subject matter experts in diverse communities, multicultural spaces, disability, and First Nations contexts has been an incredible experience.
DV-alert: You’ve worked in so many different settings - what keeps you motivated in this work?
Brooke: Domestic and family violence is a huge problem in Australia and worldwide. One in four women have experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. The impact on individuals, families, and communities is devastating.
I’m especially passionate about reaching remote and regional communities. These areas often have the highest rates of domestic and family violence but the least access to resources. Ensuring people in these communities have the skills and support they need is so important to me.
DV-alert: What impacts have you seen from the training you facilitate?
Brooke: The impact is profound. Many frontline workers come into these sessions with years of hands-on experience but without formal academic training in domestic and family violence. These workshops give them the theoretical knowledge and confidence to better Recognise, Respond, and Refer appropriately.
It’s empowering to see how learning in a structured environment reinforces what they already know, helping them feel more prepared to support those experiencing domestic and family violence. This work is crucial because gender inequality persists, and one in four women will experience intimate partner violence. The effects ripple through families and entire communities, so equipping those on the frontline with the right tools makes a real difference.
DV-alert: Do you have any advice for fellow frontline workers in this space?
Brooke: Please take care of yourself. This work is complex, and burnout is real. You can't pour from an empty cup. Looking after yourself isn’t selfish - it’s self-care and self-preservation. We need you, your knowledge, and your experience. So do what you need to do to sustain yourself in this work.
Brooke’s journey highlights the power of knowledge, resilience, and community-driven change. She isn’t just training frontline workers - she’s learning from them, amplifying their stories, and ensuring their voices are heard. The work of supporting survivors of domestic and family violence doesn’t rest on one person or one organisation - it’s a collective effort. With people like Brooke and the many frontline workers across Australia, there is hope for real and lasting change.
If you're ready to take the first step toward making a difference, consider applying for a DV-alert workshop.
If you or someone you know is affected by family and domestic violence, support is available. Contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 for confidential assistance.