Working Collaboratively To Respond To Family Violence 18 September

Tasmanian Government

Representatives from a range of government and non-government organisations will come together to learn more about recognising and responding to coercive control in a series of workshops to be held this week.

Safe at Home and Tasmania Police have engaged the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation to deliver the interactive training, which uses real life examples to explain coercive control and help participants recognise the early warning signs that are hidden in plain sight.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Guy Barnett, said to effectively address family violence it requires a whole of community response.

“These sessions are vitally important, and I whole-heartedly thank the work being done by the Clarke Family,” the Attorney-General said.

“In building awareness amongst all players in the family violence service system it is hoped that we can better recognise and respond to coercive control as well as drive the wider behavioural and cultural change that is needed.

“The Tasmanian Government, through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, is committed to doing all we can to ensure that all Tasmanians are free from all forms of family violence.

“Our Government recognises the devastating impact that coercive control can have on victims, their children and the wider community and these workshops will be vitally important to helping address this scourge in our communities.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the harm caused by family violence is particularly devastating.

“Family violence is an incredibly complex area of policing, and the ongoing training of our officers is absolutely essential,” Minister Ellis said.

“A key part of this training is being delivered by the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation and responding to family violence is a major priority for Tasmania Police.

“This training will help officers to identify cumulative patterns of controlling behaviour, to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to all forms of family violence.”

People impacted by family violence can also call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.

/Public Release. View in full here.