Lifeline will be funded to continue to deliver the DV-alert program for a further five years thanks to a $39.7m investment from the Morrison Government, announced in last week’s Federal Budget.
Lifeline Chief Executive Officer Colin Seery thanked the Federal Government for the new funding which builds on the $66 million provided over the life of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
Since 2007, Lifeline has delivered DV-alert as a free, nationally accredited training program that enables frontline workers to support people experiencing domestic and family violence. It provides them with the tools to recognise, respond to, and refer women and their children who experience, or are at risk of, domestic and family violence to relevant support services.
“By training frontline workers and community members to recognise, respond and refer women who experience, or are at risk of, domestic and family violence, we create the opportunity to keep women and children safe,” said Mr Seery.
“Since launching in 2007, DV-alert has effectively skilled up tens of thousands of frontline and community workers, and this new investment is a strong recognition of the critically important role that DV-alert training plays in early intervention within our community.”
DV-alert Senior Program Manager Jody Hofmeyr said that Lifeline holds a unique place within the community to deliver the program.
“Disclosures of domestic and family violence are often made to trusted community frontline workers and the DV-alert training empowers them to act. Learning how to recognise, respond and appropriately refer people experiencing domestic and family violence is a skill that keeps women and their children safe.”
DV-alert is led by experienced trainers dedicated to reducing violence against women and their children. Workshops provide a safe space for frontline workers to learn, connect and be empowered to recognise and respond confidently to those in crisis.
To find out more, visit https://www.dvalert.org.au/.
