May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

Preventing domestic and family violence requires sustained investment in evidence-based prevention and early intervention that is informed by lived experience.

To effectively interrupt cycles of violence, we need to create trauma- and violence-informed opportunities for early intervention. Early intervention is not only essential for healing and recovery, but also for preventing future violence and harm. The health system works with people across all stages of life and has the potential to play a vital role in providing trauma- and violence-informed care and early support.

This month our lived-experience WEAVERS Lily F and Margaret, alongside Kelsey Hegarty, delivered a keynote presentation at the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Healing and Recovery Conference in Brisbane. Through modelling the principle of “nothing about us, without us,” they highlighted the importance of trauma- and violence-informed care within healthcare settings.

The Safer Families Centre provides essential training for healthcare professionals, informed by lived experience, on how to sensitively and safely support people who have experienced family and domestic violence.