At the Safe Steps crisis service, 150,000 calls are managed daily, many of which involve individuals in dangerous situations. These include women in arranged marriages, victims of domestic violence, scared teenagers, and individuals facing abuse. The callers may be hesitant to reach out to authorities or leave their abusive partners for various reasons, such as fear, love, or lack of support. The frontline workers at Safe Steps and similar organizations work tirelessly to support these individuals with empathy and understanding, helping them navigate the complexities of abuse and control.
Despite the gendered nature of family violence, where men are often the perpetrators and women and children are the victims, it is important to acknowledge that this is not always the case. There are instances where men are the victims or where abuse occurs in same-sex relationships. The frontline workers in the domestic violence sector face challenges in recognizing and addressing these less common scenarios. However, their dedication to helping victim survivors remains unwavering, and they continue to provide support and guidance to those in need.
Effective interventions for victim survivors often come from grassroots organizations rather than government or academic institutions. Programs like The Sanctuary model, which was developed in collaboration with victim survivors and frontline workers, have shown promising results. These initiatives provide comprehensive support and services to help individuals break free from abusive situations and build a safer future for themselves and their children. By offering a range of resources, such as housing, legal aid, education, and financial counseling, these programs aim to empower victim survivors and prevent future instances of abuse.
The goal of these interventions is to change the trajectory of individuals’ lives and provide them with the resources they need to move forward safely. By addressing the root causes of abuse and providing holistic support, victim survivors can heal from their past trauma and build a brighter future. The success of these programs is evident in the positive outcomes reported by clients, including increased financial stability, improved education engagement for children, and reduced reliance on acute services. These initiatives not only save lives but also create lasting positive change for individuals and families affected by abuse.
As the CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Chelsea Tobin emphasizes the importance of providing ongoing support and care to those in crisis. Through collaborative efforts with a range of professionals and organizations, victim survivors can receive the help they need to break free from abuse and rebuild their lives. By recognizing the critical role of frontline workers and grassroots initiatives, we can better support individuals facing domestic violence and create a safer, more inclusive society for all. If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for assistance. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by abuse and violence.
