The presentation aims to address the issue of underreporting in domestic and family violence incidents. The discussion will focus on exploring and addressing the barriers of fear, shame, lack of awareness, and limited access to resources that victims encounter.

The first key learning area involves understanding the barriers that prevent victims from reporting instances of domestic and family violence. By comprehensively understanding these barriers—ranging from psychological trauma to systemic inequalities—we can tailor effective strategies to overcome them and encourage victims to seek support.

The second focal point is building trust, which is crucial in empowering victims to come forward and seek support. By creating confidential and nonjudgmental reporting mechanisms and offering culturally sensitive support services, we can foster an environment where victims feel safe and supported in disclosing their experiences.

Enhancing accessibility is the third crucial aspect. Victims, particularly those from marginalised and vulnerable communities, often face significant challenges in accessing reporting mechanisms. By leveraging technology, community outreach efforts, and partnerships with various stakeholders—including law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and social service agencies—we can improve accessibility and ensure that victims have the necessary resources and support to report instances of domestic and family violence.

Through these key learning areas and starting the conversation about best practices in supporting clients and understanding evidence collection, this presentation aims to support frontline workers in providing trauma-informed service to victims, and empowering victims, amplifying their voices, and ultimately contributing to the prevention and intervention of domestic and family violence. By dismantling barriers, building trust, and enhancing accessibility, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for those affected by Domestic and Family Violence.

Key Learnings:

1. Understanding Barriers: Exploring obstacles preventing reporting of domestic and family violence, including fear, shame, lack of awareness, and limited access to resources. Discussing psychological, social, and systemic factors contributing to these barriers.

2. Building Trust and Support: Examining strategies for fostering trust, supporting victims, creating confidential and non-judgemental environments, providing culturally sensitive services, and training specialist workers to support victims in collecting evidence and reporting incidents.

3. Enhancing Accessibility: Addressing victims' challenges in accessing reporting mechanisms, particularly those in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We will explore ways to improve access to reporting mechanisms through technology, community outreach, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.