The government will survey Australia’s family, domestic and sexual violence workforce to improve supports and outcomes for victim-survivors of abuse.
The National Family Domestic and Sexual Violence Workforce Survey, which won’t be completed until late 2026, responds to a recommendation made by Commissioner Micaela Cronin’s Yearly Report to Parliament.
The $1.39 million project falls under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and the survey will be delivered by the Social Research Centre.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the survey will paint a picture of the family, domestic and sexual violence workforce, informing the government’s understanding on how it can help tackle the national crisis of violence against women and children.
“To stop violence against women and children in one generation, we need to have a robust workforce that is supported with the skills and qualifications to prevent and respond to gender-based violence,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We need a better picture of the current workings of the sector and where we need to direct our focus to achieve the best, and most needed, results.
“This survey will not only give us updated and comprehensive insights into the workforce, but it will also deliver recommendations to allow us to provide better support for victim-survivors experiencing gender-based violence.”
The National Workforce Survey will uncover features of the family, domestic and sexual violence workforce, including: job types, qualifications, recruitment and retention, work conditions and remuneration, and workforce shortages.
Justine Elliot MP, the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, said the survey will help the government fund the areas and features within the workforce that are lacking support.
“As Commissioner Cronin identified in her Yearly Report to Parliament, the specialist workforce must be appropriately equipped to respond to emerging challenges amongst an evolving landscape,” the Assistant Minister said.
“A strong workforce is vital for the delivery of services victim-survivors need, and the Albanese Labor Government is proudly delivering under the First Action Plan Priorities Fund to support ambitious reform to women’s safety.”
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised a further $4.7 billion in funding to help end violence against women and children, in a five year plan that includes funding 500 additional frontline family violence workers.
Meanwhile, violence against women continues to be a major crisis in Australia. This year, 47 women have been killed from violence, according to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women. That’s 11 more lives lost than this time last year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.