WorkforceFDV launched for the family and domestic violence workforce

Today marks the launch of a dedicated Family and Domestic Violence Workforce Entity a major initiative of the WA Government’s Family and Domestic Violence System Reform Plan.

WorkforceFDV is led by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing and five consortium partners, each bringing expertise across family and domestic violence, Aboriginal health and service delivery, and education and training sectors.

WorkforceFDV is a significant initiative to strengthen Western Australia’s response to family and domestic violence through training, resources and professional development for frontline workers as well as for broader supporting workforces.

The family and domestic violence sector has long advocated for a workforce entity, and it was a key ask of the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce.

Dr Alison Evans, CEO of the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing described the new organisation as an important part of the system reform plan, which will enhance the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors and ensure accountability of people using violence.

" Strengthening the capacity and capability of the people who work to prevent and respond to family and domestic violence is critical to the reform’s success. We know that to deliver sustainable long-term reform we must develop the specialist family and domestic violence and prevention workforces and grow the family and domestic violence capabilities of the broader workforces that intersect with family and domestic violence " Dr Evans said.

Workforce FDV is a consortium of partners with expertise across family and domestic violence, Aboriginal health and service delivery, and education and training. The partners are:

• Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (lead partner)

• Aboriginal Health Council of WA

• Care+Justice Group, Curtin University School of Allied Health

• Community Skills WA

• Council of Aboriginal Services WA

• Stopping Family Violence

The launch will take place today at ANZAC House, Perth at 2pm. The Hon. Jessica Stojkovski MLA, Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence will address more than 150 representatives from across non-government and government sectors.