The Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Support Network for Emergency Service Workers was a time-limited pilot program delivered by the Emergency Services Foundation (ESF) in partnership with Safe Steps.
The pilot has now concluded.
The program was established in response to growing awareness that domestic and family violence affects emergency service workers at significant rates, yet stigma and workplace culture can make it difficult to seek help or peer connection.
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 was 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.
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.
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.