The current rate of domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents across Australia is alarming. As members of our community, it’s unsurprising that many emergency service workers are personally affected by DFV, but where do they turn for support if stigma is holding them back?
The Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) is proud to announce a new partnership with Safe Steps to pilot a DFV Support Network in 2025.
This has been made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Western Region Football League Umpires and the Wyndham Fire Fighters
Our initial pilot program will be for women only. This is a decision made based on data which indicates that an estimated that 1 in 4 women (27%), and 1 in 8 men (12%) in Australia experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15 years (ABS Personal Safety Survey 2021-22 launch).
If you’ve experienced domestic or family violence, you’re not alone.
Family and domestic violence includes behaviours used to control, intimidate or harm another person. It takes many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to financial and technological control. Understanding family and domestic violence is the first step towards a safer future. Some of the types of family and domestic violence we see include:
- Restricting access to money
- Preventing the victim from working
- Controlling who they see or socialise with
- Restricting access to devices
- Tracking movements
- Threatening the safety of other
- Physically harming or threatening.
Family and domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, employment or status in the community. It’s never acceptable and everyone has the right to feel safe.
The Domestic and Family Violence Support Network is an online gathering designed to provide Victorian emergency service workers with a safe, supportive, and confidential space to learn and connect with others who share similar experiences.
A safe space to connect, share, and heal
About the program
This pilot program, delivered in partnership between the ESF and Safe Steps, is designed for emergency service workers—both paid and volunteer— with personal experience of domestic or family violence.
Led by experts and with clinical support the quarterly online network gatherings provide a judgement-free space to:
- Share experiences in a small group trauma-informed environment where all participants have signed a Terms of Engagement document.
- Learn coping strategies from professionals.
Build a sense of community and resilience. Find out where to access additional support.
Why join?
The emotional toll of domestic or family violence can feel overwhelming, especially when compounded by the high-pressure environment of emergency service work and the possible stigma of being just like the people you respond to in the community. The network provides a unique opportunity to connect with others with similar lived experience.
Session details
- Quarterly one-hour gatherings starting February 2025
- Online (not recorded)
- Open to all emergency service workers – paid and volunteer
How to join
Joining is simple and confidential. All sessions are private and will not be shared with your employer or anyone outside the program. Register your interest and sign a Terms of Engagement document.
Meetings will be conducted online, making it easy to participate from anywhere.
Interested?
Register your interest today and take a step towards healing and connection.
*Please note – this pilot is open to women only.
In partnership with
This program is a collaboration between ESF and Safe Steps, Victoria’s 24/7 crisis response service for those experiencing family and domestic violence.
Together, we’re committed to fostering connection, resilience, and support for emergency service workers.
Your safety matters. Your story matters. Let’s navigate this journey together.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is the domestic and family violence support network pilot (DFVSN)?
The DFVSN is a pilot program for emergency service workers who have personal experience of domestic and family violence. There is no data available to about the incidence of DFV amongst emergency service workers, but anecdotal evidence suggests it is not uncommon and reflects community statistics. The DFVSN will give people a safe, confidential space to connect with others who share similar lived experiences and enable them to learn from trauma-informed professionals. It will not provide individual clinical counselling.
- Why is this a pilot?
The pilot will help determine if there is demand for this type of support within the ES community, and help ESF understand the specific challenges faced by ES workers impacted by domestic and family violence. An evaluation of the pilot will inform decision making regarding the ongoing need for such a network
- Who can join the program?
The pilot program is open to all emergency service workers in Victoria, including both paid and volunteer staff, who have personal experience of domestic or family violence.
Our initial pilot program will be for women only. This is a decision made based on data which indicates that an estimated that 1 in 4 women (27%), and 1 in 8 men (12%) in Australia experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15 years (ABS Personal Safety Survey 2021-22 launch).
- Is this program confidential?
Yes, the program is confidential. All discussions during the sessions are private and will not be shared with your employer or anyone outside the program. Although the sessions are online, they will not be recorded.
- How often will the sessions take place?
- Wednesday, 12 March – 8:00 pm
- Thursday, 12 June – 8:00 pm
- Monday, 3 September – 10:00 am
- Thursday, 20 November – 10:00 am
- How can I join the sessions?
You can join the sessions online. A registration link will be provided to confirm your participation once you register.
- Will I be able to speak or ask questions during the sessions?
Yes, there will be opportunities to speak, ask questions, and share experiences, but participation in this way is optional. You can choose to listen and reflect without speaking if you prefer.
- What will be discussed in the sessions?
Each session will cover different topics related to domestic and family violence, including insights from Safe Steps (Victoria’s 24/7 family violence support service), lived experience stories, and strategies for managing the impact of DFV on both personal and professional life.
- Do I need to have experienced domestic violence to attend?
Yes, the sessions are designed as a support for emergency service workers who have personal experience of domestic and family violence.
- Who is running the program?
The program is being facilitated by Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) in partnership with Safe Steps. Trauma-informed professionals will lead each session, and a specialist counsellor will be in attendance to guide and support participants as required.
- Is there a cost to participate?
There are no costs associated with participation.
- How do I register for the sessions?
To register, simply click on the registration link (add link). You will receive further details and instructions once your registration is confirmed.
- What steps have been taken to ensure the safety and privacy of participants?
ESF and Safe Steps staff are trained in trauma-informed care to ensure safe interactions. Strict risk management, data protection and confidentiality processes are in place to safeguard participant information. No participant information will be shared with employers.
- How many people will be in each session?
Each session will be limited to 12 participants.
- What if I feel overwhelmed or triggered during the sessions?
If you feel overwhelmed, there will be a specialist counsellor available during each session to provide immediate support.
You can also contact:
If you are in immediate danger – call police 000
Safe Steps
For anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence
Available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
1800- RESPECT or 1800 737 732
Web chat: www.safesteps.org.au/our-services/services-for-women-children/family-violence-webchat-support/
Orange Door
The Orange Door is a free service and operates during business hours (9am to 5pm) from Monday to Friday (closed public holidays). You do not need a referral or an appointment. You can attend in person or reach out by phone.
www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au/support-near-you
Lifeline
Call 13 11 14
Lifeline is a crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained Crisis Supporter over the phone, any time of the day or night.
