Creating a safer world for CALD women and children
We are embarking on a collaborative initiative with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community and faith leaders who hold deep insights into their communities. Addressing Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence (FDSV) requires mobilising communities together and recognising that this is a universal issue. United, we can build safer, stronger communities free from violence.
CALD community and faith leaders share our vision for communities across Australia: respect, safety, and equality for all individuals.
Fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is crucial—one where victim survivors of FDSV feel empowered to seek help, and individuals who use FDSV are held accountable for their actions.
To raise awareness and prevent family, domestic and sexual violence within CALD communities, faith and community leaders must be empowered with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify, discuss, prevent and respond. By working closely with these leaders, we can better reach and assist CALD women and children impacted by FDSV.
SSI has been awarded the National Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Training for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities and Faith Leaders Grant to deliver this national project that will raise awareness and prevent family violence within CALD communities. The project will be delivered in partnership with FECCA.
The Train, Engage, Connect and Support (TECS) project will:
Train to increase knowledge
Engage your community
Connect with services
Support those in need
FAQs about the project
What will the project achieve?
The measures of success for this project will focus on assessing the impact of the project on CALD community and faith leaders in relation to knowledge of FDSV, and confidence to support community engagement/discussion on FDSV and facilitate access to FDSV supports, namely:
- Increased understanding of domestic and sexual violence and its impacts.
- Increased awareness of the indicators of FDSV for CALD women and children.
- Increased understanding of support strategies for supporting women and children experiencing FDSV.
- Increased knowledge of the role of specialist FDSV services.
- Increased confidence to identify and respond to the needs of people experiencing FDSV.
- Increased confidence to support CALD community engagement about FDSV.
- Increased CALD community engagement on FDSV.
What organisations are involved in this project?
SSI is partnering with FECCA to deliver this significant project nationally. A membership base of 23 state/regional peak organisations and a reach of over 1,500 ethnic and faith-based community organisations and their leaders provide a strong foundation to listen, collaborate and co-design resources with CALD communities that meet their needs. Based on long-term, deep, and trusted connections with these member organisations, community and faith leaders, FECCA and SSI will effectively engage and mobilise leaders to action prevention of FDSV and supporting CALD women and children within their communities.
The TECS project will complement other local and national campaigns, awareness raising and educational activities and collaborate closely with community organisations, FDSV service providers and peaks, health and legal providers and government to deliver the project’s training goals.
What governance structure is in place?
The project has a robust governance structure that includes establishment of a Reference Advisory Group (RAG) to ensure that there is a mechanism to obtain advice, input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including CALD and faith leaders, community organisations, health & legal services and FDSV service providers across all states and territories to identify the key challenges, issues, and barriers specific to the cultural, language and faith communities across urban and regional locations.
The RAG will provide diverse perspectives, expertise, and guidance throughout the development and delivery process to ensure that the training package captures current knowledge, lived experience voice, critical thinking and analysis so that it is nationally consistent and meets the needs of CALD communities.
When will the resources be available?
The resources will be available from July 2025.
Together we can:
Safer, stronger communities free from violence: our approach
Multicultural community and faith leaders are uniquely positioned to prevent family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV). As trusted confidants for victim survivors and individuals who use violence, they hold significant influence within their communities. Often, they are the first point of contact for women experiencing violence, providing guidance, mediation, and referrals to support services.
Their deep understanding of community experiences allows them to address issues like language barriers, forced migration displacement, isolation, social barriers, and harmful gender and cultural norms. By working closely with leaders, we can better reach and assist CALD women and children impacted by FDSV.
SSI will leverage its strong relationship with multicultural communities and faith leaders and draw on lived experience expertise to co-design innovative approaches to improve awareness, increase knowledge, drive attitude and behaviour change and contribute to the development of appropriate prevention and intervention responses and strategies to address abuse of CALD women and children.
In collaboration with community leaders, faith leaders and key sector stakeholders, the project will:
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Hold consultation workshops across all states and territories with faith and community leaders, victim survivors and sector stakeholders.
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Codesign, develop, and deliver an evidence based, culturally appropriate national training package.
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Develop vignettes as conversation starters on FDSV within CALD communities.
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Develop and disseminate good practice guidance and resources to enable leaders to recognise, better engage with and foster discussions of FDSV or suspected FDSV in their communities.
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Facilitate Communities of Practice to expand FDSV knowledge, good practice and opportunity for networking and peer support for CALD leadership and communities.
Project timeline
Get in touch
For more information about this project, or to understand if you should get involved, please contact us by email at fdsv.tecs@ssi.org.au.
FDSV: Train, Engage, Connect and Support (TECS) Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and is a partnership initiative with the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA).
Useful resources
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We do not provide emergency assistance, support services, advice or referrals for women and their children.
For assistance, including 24-hour services, contact the following helplines and websites. If you require urgent assistance, please contact 000 and request police.
If you need English translation services, please phone the National Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact the service you require from the contacts in your state or territory.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy.
If you need translation or interpreting services call:
Translating and Interpreting Service National on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact 1800 RESPECT for you.
For callers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment call National Relay Service and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT
- TTY/Voice Calls – phone 133 677
- Speak and Listen – phone 1300 555 727
- Internet relay users – visit the National Relay Service website
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
Supports men and boys who are dealing with family and relationship difficulties. 24/7 telephone and online support an information service for Australian men.
Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
This service from No to Violence offers assistance, information and counselling to help men who use family violence.
Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800
Australia-wide free 24/7, confidential and private counselling service specifically for children and young people aged five to 25 years.
Elder Abuse Help Line – 1300 651 192
Free information and support services for people who experience or witness the abuse of an older person. Operating hours vary.
Financial Counselling Australia – 1800 007 007
Access free resources and advice from a private financial counsellor. Call 1800 007 007 to speak to someone in your state.
13YARN – 13 92 76
The first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
They offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT
Call 02 6280 0900 (TTY 02 6228 1852)
Domestic and family violence information, support and referrals, 24 hours.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Call 02 6247 2525
Crisis Support and Advocacy, 7 days, 7 am -11 pm.
Care and protection services
Call 1300 556 729
For children and young people considered ‘at risk’ of serious harm, 24 hours.
Women’s Legal Centre ACT
From Canberra: (02) 6257 4377
Outside Canberra: 1800 634 669
TTY: 133 677 and ask for (02) 6257 4377
Domestic Violence Line
Call 1800 65 64 63
Domestic and family violence information, support and referrals, 24 hours.
Full Stop Australia
Call 1800 385 578
Telephone and online crisis counselling for anyone who has experienced or is at risk of, sexual, family or domestic violence, 24 hours.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Counsellor (Alice Springs)
Call (08) 8955 4500
Crisis support for women in the Alice Springs region, 24 hours.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Katherine)
Call (08) 8973 8524
Crisis support for women in the Katherine region.
Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia
Call (08) 8952 6075
24 hour support for women and children at risk of domestic and family violence.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Darwin)
Call (08) 8922 6472
Crisis support for women in the Darwin region, 24 hours.
Darwin Aboriginal and Islander Women’s Shelter
Call (08) 8945 2284
Provides safe and culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are homeless or escaping family violence.
Dawn House (Darwin)
Call (08) 8945 1388
Provides services to women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Top End.
NPY (Ngaanyatjarra Pitijantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) Women’s Council Domestic Violence Service
Call 1800 180 840
DVConnect Women’s Line
Call 1800 811 811
Free crisis counselling and support for women experiencing domestic and family violence, 24 hours.
DVConnect Men’s Line
Call 1800 600 636
Specialist assistance for men who would like to address their own use of violence and men who have been victims of violence in their own relationships, 24 hours.
Queensland State Wide Sexual Assault Helpline
Call 1800 010 120 (TTY 1800 003 98)
Provides a sensitive listening ear and provide supportive counselling and non-judgemental advice for all Queenslanders, 7.30am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service
Call 1800 800 098
For people experiencing domestic and family violence, 24 hours.
Yarrow Place
Call (08) 8226 8777 or 1800 817 421
For people who have been raped or sexually assaulted, 24 hours.
Victim Support Service
Call 1800 842 846
Free and confidential services for people affected by crime and abuse.
Family Violence Response Referral Line
Call 1800 633 937
For people experiencing domestic and family violence, 24 hours.
The Sexual Assault Support Service
Call 1800 697 877
For victims of recent rape or sexual assault and their families, 24 hours.
Family Violence Counselling and Support Service (FVCSS)
Call 1800 608 122
Offers professional and specialised services to assist children, young people and adults affected by family violence.
Monday-Friday 9:00am – midnight
Weekends/public holidays 4:00pm – midnight
Laurel House
Call (03) 6334 2740 (North)
Call (03) 6431 9711 (North-West)
For victims/survivors of sexual violence and their families, in the North and North-West of Tasmania.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Call (03) 9322 3555 or 1800 015 188
For confidential support and information please call the safe steps 24/7 family violence response line 1800 015 188.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Call 1800 806 292
After-hours, telephone crisis counselling service for victims/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault. SACL operates between 5:00 pm weeknights through to 9:00 am the next day and throughout weekends and public holidays.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline
Call (08) 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339
For crisis support, 24 hours.
The Sexual Assault Resource Centre
Call (08) 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888
24 hour emergency line.
Marninwarntikura Family Violence Prevention Legal Service
Call (08) 9191 5284
Free domestic violence legal assistance and crisis accommodation.
About SafePath
Victims of sexual violence from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities face unique challenges in reporting and reaching out for assistance when there is a lack of culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. Often, sexual violence services are not equipped with culturally and linguistically informed information, further enhancing barriers that victims may experience.
SafePath is a two-year project funded until June 2025 by the Department of Communities & Justice. The project aims to further equip frontline practitioners in identifying and responding to CALD victim survivors of sexual violence perpetration.
How we help
SafePath will develop culturally and linguistically informed resources to support victim-survivors, practitioners, and wider communities about sexual violence.
We invite you to share and use the resources when they are available. Some resources will be available in-language.
Getting help
If you are subjected to or impacted by sexual violence, know someone who is, or are triggered by this content and would like to access support, please contact:
- Full Stop Domestic Violence helpline on 1800 385 578 or Full Stop NSW Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
Get in touch
Should you have any comments, feedback, or questions, please contact us.
E: info@ssi.org.au
P: 02 8799 6700
About the program
Modern slavery can take many forms and affect more Australians and communities than we realise. Women, children, refugees, people seeking asylum, and recent migrants including international students are most at risk.
Our SToP program works with multicultural communities to increase knowledge and understanding about modern slavery with a focus on forced labour, domestic servitude, and forced marriage. We offer in-language community education to help migrant communities recognise the signs of these issues and empower them to take positive action.
SToP is funded by the Attorney-General’s Department under the National Action Plan modern slavery grants program.
How we help
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Who this program is for
- Multicultural communities residing in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, including community and faith leaders.
- We welcome everyone interested in learning more about ending modern slavery, including schools, settlement and migrant agencies, and any other groups.
Understanding modern slavery
Modern slavery refers to situations of exploitation where an individual is unable to refuse or leave due to threats, deception, and coercion. It is an abuse of power where the basic human right of freedom is denied.
Get in touch
For more information about the project or to run a free face-to-face community session around forced labour, forced marriage and domestic servitude, please contact our team. We’re here to help.
E: stop@ssi.org.au
P: 0403 224 019
About Care Finder
Our free service helps older Australians from diverse backgrounds connect to aged care services and supports. If you don’t have a carer or support person, we are here for you. We create a plan based on your needs and meet you where it suits you best – at home, in our office, or in the community.
SSI Care Finder Program is supported by funding from the Australian government through the PHN program (Primary Health Network).
How we help
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Who we help
- Australians aged 65 or older from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 or older
- People experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
- Live in Logan region in Queensland
- Require support to navigate the My Aged Care System and other relevant community services
- Eligible for government funded aged care support
Get in touch
To learn more about SSI’s Care Finder program, please contact our team in Logan.
91 Wembley Road Logan Central, QLD
Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
P: 0403 710 245
E: seniorconnect@ssi.org.au
Program Update
The Home Care Workforce Support Program (HCWSP) ended on June 30, 2024.
The program was part of the Federal government’s overall aim to grow, upskill and support Australia’s home care workers to ensure senior Australians can access the care they need to remain independent at home.
SSI is proud of what the program achieved across New South Wales and the ACT. To learn more about the program please download our Program Summary and Learnings document below.
![Home Care Workforce Support Program Update](https://www.ssi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Home-Care-Workforce-Support-Program-Summary-ls-min.jpg)
About Championing Action for Tech Safety (CATS)
Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women
SSI has successfully tendered for funding through the Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program (funded by the eSafety Commissioner). This program contributes to the Federal Government’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32 (the National Plan).
SSI will work to address tech-safety and tech-based abuse in the context of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) by increasing the understanding and knowledge of women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds on tech-based safety and abuse. SSI will also focus efforts on newer arrivals, and those who have arrived as refugees.
How this works
The project will work to:
- increase the understanding of tech-based abuse and tech safety among migrant and refugee women and their children who may also be a target for tech-based abuse in the context of DFV,
- Increase conversations among migrant and refugee women on tech-based abuse and tech safety,
- Increase practical knowledge on how to identify spyware, tracking apps and clearing cache information, and
- Increasing the digital literacy of women participating in co-design and community education workshops.
Get in touch
For more information about the project or to become involved, please contact us.
P: 0401 750 745
E: mandersson@ssi.org.au
Monday to Thursday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
About SSI Education and Training
At SSI Education and Training, we offer qualifications ranging from Individual Support (Aged Care and Disability) to Community Services, and Foundation Skills and Workplace Skills. Our courses are designed in collaboration with employers to meet industry demands and are also delivered in a culturally responsive way to support our clients and communities.
We are dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their career potential. Our programs are rooted in equality, empathy, and innovation, driven by a desire to create positive change in the communities we serve.
How we help
- Connected Human Services: A holistic approach tailored to your needs. Wraparound support services and/or referrals for overall success.
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace with our flexible learning options.
- Supportive training: Specialising in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Get in touch
SSI runs the Education and Training program in Logan, Queensland.
P: 07 3412 8222
About the Centre
The Centre promotes culturally appropriate, evidence-based and community informed responses to domestic, family and sexual violence in NSW, including in regional and rural areas.
We collaborate with specialist services and other support services to address the diverse needs of migrant and refugee women and children who are at risk of, or subjected to, domestic, family or sexual violence.
Our tailored and comprehensive approach encompasses collaborative case management and support, community engagement and awareness raising, sector capacity building, consultation and research, development of evidence and good practice, and advocacy to drive systemic change.
We work across four focus areas: prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing.
Culturally responsive practice
We understand the importance of ensuring that domestic, family and sexual violence solutions meet the needs of communities in all their diversity. Our work is grounded in cultural responsiveness and informed by evidence and community insights.
The Centre combines expertise in culturally responsive practice and forms of violence that are more likely to affect women, children and families from multicultural communities, such as migration-related abuse, multi-perpetrator violence, dowry abuse, forced marriage, and domestic servitude.
We work with victim survivors and communities to address these complex issues. We also collaborate with services to effectively work with migrant and refugee women, children and families, and ensure culturally responsive support.
What we do
Individuals
We provide specialist, culturally responsive support to migrant and refugee women and children who are at risk of, or experiencing, domestic, family and sexual violence. This includes:
- Support for the immediate safety of victim-survivors
- Collaborative, culturally responsive and holistic case management
- Support for socio-economic participation and community connection, and referrals to appropriate services.
Communities
We work with multicultural communities to support them with the knowledge and resources to effectively recognise, respond to, and prevent domestic, family and sexual violence. This includes:
- Community engagement and education on the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence and available support services
- Empowering communities as social responders
- Supporting communities to lead positive change in attitudes towards gender equality and healthy relationships.
Sector and service delivery
- Expert advice and capacity building on cultural responsiveness in the context of family, domestic and sexual violence
- Collaborative case management, particularly for complex cases
- Promoting cross-sector collaboration and developing evidence to enhance policy and practice responses.
Cross-sector engagement
The Centre promotes specialist and culturally responsive support to address the diverse needs and experiences of migrant and refugee women and their children at risk of, or subjected to, domestic, family or sexual violence.
We recognise the critical role that support services play in ensuring migrant and refugee women and their children’s safety and promoting family safety in multicultural communities.
We collaborate with services across women’s safety, multicultural and settlement sectors to ensure that effective, safe and culturally responsive services are available to those who need them.
Information brochure
![Service providers: NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety](https://www.ssi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Adira_A4_service-provider_digital_page-0001-1-1.jpg)
Display at your service
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What we do
The Centre collaborates with services to strengthen culturally responsive domestic, family and sexual violence case management and support when working with women, children and families from multicultural communities.
We provide cultural responsiveness and inclusive practice expertise and support, as well as advice on cultural, community and migration-related considerations.
We accept referrals to ensure migrant and refugee women and children receive the specialist domestic, family and sexual violence support they need.
The Centre contributes to developing evidence on safety considerations impacting women, children and families from multicultural communities. We consult with communities and engage in research collaborations to inform the design and delivery of services, develop policy advice, and improve responses to domestic, family and sexual violence in multicultural communities.
How we can support
- Consultation on complex cases and cultural considerations, and collaborative case management
- Referral pathways for specialist support
- Capacity building and collaborative initiatives to support culturally responsive practice
- Development of good practice models for enhanced service delivery
- Community engagement and awareness raising on the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence and available support services
- Provision of population data and insights into emerging trends in communities.
Collaborate with us
Partner with us to promote safety for migrant and refugee women and children. Whether you seek expert advice on complex cases, wish to collaborate on research, or explore potential partnerships, contact us at safetycentre@ssi.org.au or 02 8111 7077.
To make a referral to the Centre, please complete the form
Are you a migrant or refugee woman at risk of, or experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence?
Read this in your language.
Click ‘download other version’ to print in-language resource.
Note for service providers: Please consider your clients’ safety when providing them with printed copies.
![Info on NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety](https://www.ssi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Adira_A4-client-english_6-Copy_page-0001-725x1024-1.jpg)
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000
If you need an interpreter, you can request one in your language when speaking to the emergency operator. If you need police to attend your home immediately, have your address in English ready to inform them where you are.
If you are experiencing violence, please contact us by calling 02 8111 7077 to speak to the Centre’s team. You can request an interpreter.
We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
If you are calling outside these opening hours, please leave a message and provide your contact information, and we will call you back. Please tell us when it is safe to call you back.
What is domestic, family and sexual violence?
Domestic, family or sexual violence includes a wide range of abusive behaviours or threats, both violent and non-violent, that occur within intimate (partner or spouse) or other family relationships, including:
- Other family or household members
- Carer relationships
- Cultural and kinship relationships
- Foster care relationships
- Blood relatives who do not live together.
Examples of domestic, family or sexual violence
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Financial abuse
- Technology facilitated abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Controlling behaviours.
Examples of abusive behaviour by a partner or family members
- You are being called names or being spoken to in a cruel or offensive way
- You are physically harmed or hurt
- You are threatened that your visa will be cancelled, and you will be sent back home
- You are not allowed to have your own money
- Your phone is checked or you are stopped from talking to friends and family
- You are threatened that your children will be taken away from you or will be hurt
- You are forced to do sexual things you do not want to do
- You are not allowed to practice your religion or culture.
We can help you and your children
The team can help you and your children. We respond with dignity, listen with empathy and offer safe, effective and confidential support in your language.
When you contact the Centre, you will speak to someone who understands you and can provide the assistance you need. We will provide you with information, advice and referrals to services best suited to you.
We will always prioritise your and your children’s safety and well-being.
Get help
Take the important step of reaching out to the Centre for immediate support. This brings you closer to a safer and healthier future for you and your children.
Contact us on 02 8111 7077.