On this page you will be able to find the education, tools and support to prevent Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) in your communities by creating faith spaces that uphold dignity, equality and healing for all.
Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) affects individuals, families, and communities from all walks of life, including children. You hold a trusted position in the community, allowing you to influence attitudes, provide support, and advocate for those affected by DFV.
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DFV is about one person seeking power and control over another, often by using tactics such as stalking, coercive control, emotional manipulation, and violent behaviours.
Learn more here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/what-family-and-domestic-violence?context=60033
Statics shows that majority of perpetrators are men with 1 in 4 women experiencing DFV in their lifetime (ABS 2023). This violence not only affects the direct victim but also has long lasting consequences on children and families.
Up to 70% of children who see or experience DFV are at greater risk of experiencing emotional, behavioural, or psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD (AIHW).
DFV disrupts the safety and well-being of entire families, often leaving deep emotional and psychological scars.
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Lifeline: Introduction to Domestic and Family Violence eLearning
Lifeline offers a range of eLearning courses that provide a high-level understanding of DFV, including the types of abuse and right responses when you suspect someone is experiencing DFV.
DV-Alert Training
DV-alert offers free, national training programs tailored for frontline workers such as faith or community leaders equipping them with the skills to recognise and respond to DFV.
Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Online Learning Portal
QCDFVR has online training modules covering various DFV topics such as common risk and safety frameworks and coercive control.
https://noviolence.org.au/learn/
Emerging Minds: Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Learning Pathway
Emerging Minds provides free online courses designed to help you understand the impact of DFV on children's mental health and how to engage sensitively with affected families.
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/family-and-domestic-violence-fdv-learning-pathway/
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Resource: Information for religious and community leaders responding to domestic and family violence
This resource offers comprehensive guidelines specifically tailored for religious and community leaders. They offer valuable insights on safely responding to individuals seeking help, addressing both victims and perpetrators. The guidelines are available in multiple languages to cater to diverse communities.
SAFER Resource
Whilst this resource is Christian based, its core principles of safety, support, and inclusivity are universal and can be applied by leaders of other faiths or secular communities. You can adapt the language and examples to fit your own context and can receive help from its practical guidance in fostering a culture of care and protection within your communities.
https://www.saferresource.org.au/
Muslim Women Australia
This organisation empowers Muslim women through support services, advocacy, and community programs, focusing on equality, domestic violence aid, and well-being.
Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
This organisation supports and empowers Muslim women in Australia, focusing on issues like family violence, settlement, and leadership through advocacy, programs, and training.
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Video: The Man Box
This resource highlights the restrictive societal expectations placed on men, encouraging them to conform to traditional notions of masculinity and how these expectations can contribute to harmful behaviours, including violence. You can use these tools to challenge and reshape these norms, promoting healthier masculinity and thus, foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for both men and women in their communities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdRrjCOqzZY
https://jss.org.au/programs/research/the-man-box/
White Ribbon: Barber Shop
You can use this resource to communicate effectively about the topic of ending violence against women by helping you helps you ensure that your messages are clear, respectful, and consistent, which can strengthen the message you want to convey.
https://whiteribbon.org.au/barber-shop/
Resource: The Style Guide
https://whiteribbon.org.au/documents/the-style-guide/
OurWatch: Men in focus: Working together to end violence against women
This resource provides practical strategies and emphasises collaboration across sectors. The guide also includes videos to help you understand their role and improve your approach to prevention and support.
Website: Support for men who use violence
On this website you can find a list of registered providers and program details for the Men's Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) in NSW. These are group-based initiatives aimed at helping men change violent behaviours and build healthier relationships.
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When someone is at risk of harm
Emergency Response 000
24 hours, 7 days a week
If someone is in immediate danger or has been the immediate victim of violence, contact police or ambulance and firefighter services as needed.
Police Link 131 444
24 hours, 7 days a week
Can be used to report crime or if a person feels threatened or in danger [other than in life threatening or time critical emergency situations].
When someone asks for help
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
24 hours, 7 days a week
Confidential helpline for people experiencing DFV and sexual assault. Provides immediate support, information, and referrals.
NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
24 hours, 7 days a week
State counselling and referral support service for victim survivors.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
24 hours. 7 days a week
Supports men and boys who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties
Lifeline 13 11 14
24 hours, 7 days a week
Providing crisis support and suicide prevention
When you need to support other family members
FaCS Child Protection Hotline 13 21 11
24 hours, 7 days a week
Reporting children at risk of significant harm
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
24 hours, 7 days a week
Counselling and support for young people aged 5 - 25yrs.
Elder Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221
9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
Provides information and support to older people who experience elder abuse.