The State Government has committed $2 million to roll out family and domestic violence (FDV) training for Triple Zero (000) responders, so they can better support victim-survivors.
The funding will build the capacity of the St John WA Triple Zero (000) workforce – including call-takers, paramedics, and volunteers – to recognise and respond to incidents involving FDV.
In the past year, St John responded to more than 6,000 cases involving violence against women – including assaults, sexual assaults, and stabbings – and a further 2,500 cases involved children.
The funding will also assist St John WA to identify and categorise instances of FDV to help reveal a broader picture of the impact it has on Western Australia.
The project will build on the capacity for identification and response to FDV within a health context, with the training to be delivered in both metro and regional areas.
St John WA is a registered training organisation, delivering nationally recognised qualifications and training with significant reach – 1,500 paid employees, including paramedics and 3,000 volunteers – working in both regional and metro WA.
The funding is part of the State Government’s $60 million in election commitments to address FDV, and boost prevention services.
The partnership comes on the 10th day of the 16 Days in WA campaign, which urges all Western Australians to make meaningful changes to end FDV.
On average, one woman is murdered by a current or former partner every 10 days. It simply must stop.
Now in its sixth year, 16 Days in WA runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day). The campaign takes its inspiration from the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
For more information, visit: https://www.communities.wa.gov.au/16DaysinWA.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:
“One in three women has experienced family and domestic violence, and one in five women has experienced sexual violence – and it’s vital they get the right support when they need it.
“There can be a reluctance to involve police in family and domestic violence matters, and on some occasions St John staff may be the first – and only – responders to have contact with victim-survivors.
“It’s imperative that they have the latest knowledge and understanding to recognise the signs of family and domestic violence, and the skills to respond safely.”
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“Under this partnership between the State Government and St John WA, training will be delivered to more than 5,000 first responders.
“In the past year, St John WA has responded to more than 6,000 cases involving violence against women and 2,500 cases involving children.
“Equipping workers to safely respond to these sensitive – and sometimes life-threatening – situations will improve the safety and well-being for both the community, and frontline workers.”
Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister’s office – 6552 6600
