Our nation has been left reeling with the senseless murders of so many women this year through gender-based violence. A situation which is calling into question all that our nation stands for.
Our Australian way is being marred by violence and toxicity, and beyond the family home, it is impacting communities, placing pressure on our services and tormenting our first responders.
Having served as a police officer for six years, I know the weight that responding to domestic and family violence carries for first responders. Taking action against this insidious form of violence is more than just a job, it is a heavy burden carried by those on the frontlines.
The constant exposure to such trauma takes a toll on our mental health and wellbeing. Without proper support, it can lead to burnout, alarming rates of psychological distress and suicidality amongst the first responder community. It happened to me, and I’ve also seen it happen to my friends and colleagues. That’s why it is essential we address this issue head-on and ensure first responders have the resources they need to stay healthy and resilient.
My journey as a police officer and the symptoms of my PTSD diagnosis, played a major role in the unravelling of my relationship with my wife. Rebuilding our relationship took dedication and time, and it came with a lot of anguish and hard work.
We know that, of course, those being abused and their children must be the main priority. Financially supporting them to rebuild their lives and start over, including receiving much-needed emotional support, ultimately paves the way for recovery.
Our government has attempted to take action pledging close to $1 billion dollars, offering help to victims, regulating computer-generated deepfake pornography, and criminalising content using AI, as well as outlawing doxxing, which is the unauthorised release of private information. But is it enough?
Beyond the disturbing homicide figures during this year alone – which currently stands at 28 – during 2021/22, 4620 women aged 15 years and over were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence. When we consider that first responders are involved in all of these cases, it paints a shattering picture of the trauma-filled circumstances they are facing every day.
Whilst police officers and paramedics are trained to face such torment, support is needed on an ongoing basis, especially given the magnitude of what the nation is currently experiencing – a situation which our own Prime Minister has labelled a crisis. Our first responders cannot be left behind when it comes to the level of support offered. They are often the first on the scene, and exposed to the sorts of scenarios that are difficult to forget.
Another impacted group, who have not received any formal training in handling such situations, are the families of first responders. Whilst their loved ones are committed to their occupation, which sees them unwittingly exposed to the damage caused by gender-based violence, their families may experience their own mental health issues. They attempt to support first responders struggling to separate themselves from the devastation.
As a nation, we are making inroads to changing the narrative, but how long will it take before the violence ends? How many doors will our first responders need to knock on, not knowing the damage which awaits them. Not only the suffering of a victim caused by their violent abuser, but walking into potential impacts which may affect the rest of their lives, and that of their families.
First responders need the kinds of resources which will support real world situations, as harrowing as they are. They require strong safety nets and support systems built on social connection, along with a psychologically safe space facilitated by culturally sensitive clinicians who deeply understand their experiences. This space allows them to address the impact of trauma with family and loved ones.
Gender based violence is tearing this nation apart. When we consider the support needed for victims, community and even resources to assist perpetrators find a way back, let us not disregard our first responders who continually show up when the victim urgently calls for help.