SSI Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Framework
16 Days of Activism 2024
Invest in training for first-line responders who are keeping women and children safe
Educators, health practitioners and other providers of social support are known and trusted members of community for women and children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. They are often the first point of call for women experiencing or at risk of Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV), who may be unfamiliar with the service system. To support equity, safety and quality in FDSV response, it is imperative that these workers are appropriately trained and supported to recognise and respond to disclosures of FDSV.
This week, over the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, SSI are united in the UN’s call for more Investment to prevent violence against women and girls – like training and support for first-line responders who are the safe hands that many women turn to.
How first-line responders are helping women impacted by domestic violence
We spoke with three women on the front lines – a community worker, nurse, and maternity support officer – about the challenges of their roles and supporting women in unsafe situations. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the women and their clients.
Meet Sara
Community workers filling the gaps when it comes to women experiencing domestic violence.
Meet Adara
When help hurts: The impact of inadequate first-line responder training on women’s safety.
What can you do?
If you feel strongly about supporting front-line responders with better resources, training and support to help them navigate women and children through unsafe situations, you can:
- Write to your local MP about the issues relating to women in your community and ask for more investment in front-line workers who are keeping women and children safe. Key areas requiring immediate investment are listed below.
- Learn more about FDSV.
- Learn more about SSI’s FDSV services and supports.
A call to action
Key areas requiring immediate investment include:
- Trauma-informed care training
- Cultural competency programs
- Domestic violence risk assessment training
- Safety planning education
- Language resources and interpreter services
- Educational materials in multiple languages
Health professionals, social and community workers and educators are increasingly being recognised as first-line responders who need specialised training to effectively support women in unsafe situations. This includes understanding how to:
- Recognise signs of domestic violence
- Respond sensitively to disclosures
- Navigate cultural barriers
- Connect women with appropriate services
- Conduct basic risk assessments
- Create safety plans
Building a safer future
Investment in first-line responder training isn’t just about addressing immediate crises – it’s about building pathways to safety for women and preventing violence before it happens.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses on first-line responders, and the message is clear: increased investment in training and resources for these crucial support workers isn’t just desirable – it’s essential for saving lives.
SSI and FDSV
SSI supports the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence every year.
SSI is one of the leading community organisations that is recognised for its advocacy in Family Domestic and Sexual Violence and multicultural communities’ wellbeing space. You can read more about what the team does, and our programs and services in this space here.
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Useful resources
