Training Frontline Workers to Support First Nations Women and Children Experiencing Family Violence
Tracks
Danggalaba (Saltwater crocodile)
Monday, October 30, 2023 |
4:35 PM - 4:55 PM |
Overview
Kerry Wall, DV Alert Lifeline Australia
Speaker
Kerry Wall
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander DV-alert Lead
DV-alert Lifeline Australia
Training frontline workers to support First Nations women and children experiencing family violence
Abstract
This presentation shares the critical issue of family violence within First Nations communities and discusses the development of DV-alert’s First Nations 1-day focused workshop.
Funded by Department of Social Services, Lifeline has been delivering domestic and family violence response training since 2007. The program of workshops gives frontline workers the knowledge and confidence to Recognise, Respond, Refer those who may be experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence. In 2013, Lifeline developed a two-day Indigenous workshop, specifically designed to address family violence within First Nations communities. This workshop was co-developed with First Nations subject matter experts as part of Lifeline's commitment within the Nation Plan to reduce violence against Indigenous women and children.
The presentation highlights the participation of First Nations frontline workers in the DV-alert training, and demonstrates the program's value and reach across the nation.
The presentation gives an update on the Program Enhancement Project, specifically describing the creation of the DV-alert First Nations program. It addresses the challenges faced during the project, as well as the value of data spanning 10 years of on the ground delivery gathered from community Elders, Aboriginal peak bodies, First Nations trainers and individuals with lived and living experience.
To inform the workshop content, the project draws on evidence-based articles, reports, data and the expertise of a cohort of Aboriginal subject matter experts. The workshop incorporates crucial elements, including truth-telling, kinship, trauma-informed practice, cultural responsiveness, gender inequality, re-traumatisation, holistic family-oriented healing approaches and safety planning.
DV-alert First Nations 1-day focused workshop equips frontline workers with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of family violence, respond confidently, and make culturally appropriate referrals to specialist services. Importantly, the workshop is 100% designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with lived and living experiences, emphasising community ownership and empowerment.
Funded by Department of Social Services, Lifeline has been delivering domestic and family violence response training since 2007. The program of workshops gives frontline workers the knowledge and confidence to Recognise, Respond, Refer those who may be experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence. In 2013, Lifeline developed a two-day Indigenous workshop, specifically designed to address family violence within First Nations communities. This workshop was co-developed with First Nations subject matter experts as part of Lifeline's commitment within the Nation Plan to reduce violence against Indigenous women and children.
The presentation highlights the participation of First Nations frontline workers in the DV-alert training, and demonstrates the program's value and reach across the nation.
The presentation gives an update on the Program Enhancement Project, specifically describing the creation of the DV-alert First Nations program. It addresses the challenges faced during the project, as well as the value of data spanning 10 years of on the ground delivery gathered from community Elders, Aboriginal peak bodies, First Nations trainers and individuals with lived and living experience.
To inform the workshop content, the project draws on evidence-based articles, reports, data and the expertise of a cohort of Aboriginal subject matter experts. The workshop incorporates crucial elements, including truth-telling, kinship, trauma-informed practice, cultural responsiveness, gender inequality, re-traumatisation, holistic family-oriented healing approaches and safety planning.
DV-alert First Nations 1-day focused workshop equips frontline workers with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of family violence, respond confidently, and make culturally appropriate referrals to specialist services. Importantly, the workshop is 100% designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals with lived and living experiences, emphasising community ownership and empowerment.
Biography
Kerry Wall, proud Wangkumara woman, mother, and grandmother.
Born and bred in Broken Hill, Kerry is employed by Lifeline Australia to lead all DV-alert First Nations programs and DV-alert community engagement strategies nationally, as well as DV-alert Team’s commitment toward the National Plan to End Violence against Women and their Children.
Kerry has spent most of her adult life supporting survivors of domestic and family violence as well as people who use violence, using a holistic approach to work with family and community for better safety outcomes for all.
Trained in Community Service Work, Domestic and Family Violence, Social Justice, Suicide Prevent and Intervention, Trauma Informed Practice, Mental Health, Training and Assessment, Leadership and Criminology, Kerry’s great passion is to bring healing to others and to find healthy perceptions of themselves, and strength and empowerment for safety and security.