Safe, Everywhere, Always: Building a United Front to End Domestic and Family Violence in Australia

Published on 25th November 2024

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, we also enter the 16 Days of Activism - a critical global movement dedicated to raising awareness and driving action to end gender-based violence.

This year’s theme, Safe, Everywhere, Always reflects a vision where safety is a right for all, extending beyond physical spaces to encompass every part of society. Achieving this vision requires collaboration at every level, with national and local organisations uniting to make impactful change.

National Collaboration: A Comprehensive Network for Safety and Support

Addressing and ultimately ending domestic, family and sexual violence necessitates the collective action of vital organisations across Australia, each providing distinct expertise and resources to establish a comprehensive safety network. Several key organisations contribute significantly to the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, including:

• Our Watch focuses on cultural change, leading public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and prevent violence before it starts.
• ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety) provides critical evidence-based research to inform policies and strategies that tackle domestic and family violence at its root.
• 1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• eSafety Commissioner combats technology-facilitated abuse, addressing a modern dimension of domestic and family violence that requires digital literacy and safety protocols.

Together, these national organisations form a comprehensive safety net, each addressing domestic and family violence at different stages of prevention, intervention, and support. Their collaboration builds a resilient response framework, extending from policy to practical, on-the-ground support.

Local Impact: DV-alert’s Role in Empowering Frontline Workers

While national partnerships form the structural foundation for safety, the mission to counteract domestic and family violence also hinges upon concerted efforts at a local level. This is where DV-alert plays a vital role in equipping frontline workers - nurses, teachers, social workers, community leaders and more - with the skills to Recognise, Respond, and Refer people experiencing or a risk of experiencing of domestic and family violence.

Evidence-based evaluations of DV-alert workshops have demonstrated a significant impact on learners, with 90% of attendees reporting enhanced knowledge and self-assurance in identifying and referring individuals affected by domestic and family violence to appropriate support services. This data underscores the program's efficacy in equipping frontline workers with the skills and confidence necessary to effect meaningful change within their communities.

Frontline Workers as Community Leaders

DV-alert workshops not only enhance learners’ understanding but also empower them to take on proactive leadership roles rather than simply reacting to situations. By emphasising the Recognise, Respond, Refer approach, the program equips frontline workers with the self-assurance and tools they need to actively address domestic and family violence in a variety of settings, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. This comprehensive training enables participants to contribute positively to their communities by fostering safer and more supportive environments.

The knowledge and skills gained from DV-alert workshops equip learners to offer real-time support to those affected by violence. Many attendees apply their newfound expertise in practical ways, creating a ripple effect that can positively impact entire communities and contribute to the larger goal of ending domestic and family violence.

Here’s How We’ll Be Supporting the Campaign

This year, we’re bringing you a 16 Days of Activism campaign that’s all about action, awareness, and empowerment, centred around our DV-alert model: Recognise, Respond, Refer. Over the next 16 days, we’ll guide our community through each of these pillars, offering practical advice and calls to action.

Each social media post is crafted to create a ripple effect of awareness, inviting you to engage and take tangible actions to support those affected by domestic and family violence.

To further extend the campaign’s reach, we encourage everyone to visit our 16 Days of Activism page to download the campaign tile and share it on your social media. By spreading the word, you’re helping build a movement where safety is a universal right.

Call to Action: Be Part of the Change

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, our goal remains clear: to create a safer world for women and children. DV-alert invites everyone to learn more about how they can contribute to this mission. By attending workshops or simply sharing the message, each of us can play a part in the collective effort to build safer communities across Australia.

For more information on DV-alert’s workshops and how to get involved, visit DV-alert’s website or reach out to the following support services:

• 1800RESPECT- National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service
• Lifeline - 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
• 13YARN - Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Together, we can turn Safe, Everywhere, Always into a reality, building communities where safety is upheld as a universal right for everyone, every day.