- Family and domestic violence awareness training provided for key Department of Education staff
- Training sessions are geared towards improving school and workplace safety, inclusion, and support for staff experiencing family and domestic violence
- Forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to building safe and inclusive communities by preventing family and domestic violence
Staff members at the Department of Education are being supported to undertake family and domestic violence awareness training to better recognise the signs of abuse.
It forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to preventing family and domestic violence across Western Australia.
The training, delivered by Lifeline, equips line managers and key Department of Education staff who support school leaders and teachers with the tools to respond appropriately using the Ask, Believe and Listen approach, and to refer those impacted by family and domestic violence to relevant support services.
Sessions are geared towards improving school and workplace safety, inclusion, and support for staff experiencing family and domestic violence.
So far, nearly 200 participants have undertaken training, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating the training will be widely beneficial to the education sector.
The initial contract has been extended by one year so selected staff will be able to access training in 2026.
It comes during this year's 16 Days in WAcampaign, which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to 10 December (Human Rights Day).
The 2025 campaign theme is Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part.
Find out more about how you can play your part in ending family and domestic violence here: 16 Days in WA
As stated by Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Labor Government's commitment to preventing the scourge of family and domestic violence is long-standing.
"The 16 Days in WA campaign is an important reminder that everyone in our community needs to play their part in calling out inappropriate behaviour.
"Our government is committed to providing support and has implemented staff training with Lifeline to help these staff members better understand domestic violence.
"I am happy to see the family and domestic violence training is having a positive impact on the education sector, equipping key support staff with tools to accurately identify abuse and deploy the appropriate response.
"I look forward to building on this momentum with the training opportunities being extended into next year."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Family and domestic violence doesn't always show up in clear ways, and that's why this kind of training matters.
"When people know what to look out for and how to respond safely, it means those experiencing abuse are more likely to be recognised and supported early.
"Preventing family and domestic violence takes a whole-of-community approach, and I am pleased to hear that Department of Education staff are taking part in this training to help build safer communities across WA.
"Since 2017, the State Government has now delivered an unprecedented $707.6 million in new investment to address family and domestic violence across the State as part of its commitment to building safe and inclusive communities."
