* Triple Zero Responders are the first to receive comprehensive family and domestic violence training by St John WA
* Partnership with St John WA worth more than $2 million will see call-takers and paramedics trained
* The Cook Labor Government is committed to addressing family and domestic violence
St John WA First Responders across Western Australia are receiving vital family and domestic violence training to ensure they can better support victim-survivors.
The Cook Labor Government has provided $2.1 million to build the capacity of St John WA's First Responders, which includes Triple Zero (000) call-takers, paramedics and volunteers, to recognise and respond to family and domestic violence.
St John WA has partnered with specialist family and domestic violence service provider Stopping Family Violence to co-design and deliver four hours of intensive mandatory training to frontline team members including call-takers and paramedics.
This will be expanded over time to include volunteers and the training will transition to be included in St John WA's ongoing Continuing Education Program, resulting in more than 5,000 team members receiving the training.
Triple Zero Responders from the St John WA State Operations Centre were the first cohort to recently complete the training.
St John WA receives up to 6,000 calls each year from patients displaying injuries relevant to suspected family and domestic violence incidents.
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339, or Men's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599, or the National Helpline 1800 RESPECT.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Our State's First Responders play a vital role in responding to calls for assistance from people who are experiencing family and domestic violence.
"There can be a reluctance to involve police in family and domestic violence matters, and on some occasions, St John staff may be the first to have contact with victim-survivors.
"I am pleased to be able to announce the start of this important training initiative during the 16 Days in WA campaign.
"The theme for 2023 is "Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play Your Part", and I think you would all agree that our First Responders are certainly playing their part.
"I continue to encourage all Western Australians to consider how they can also play their part to help stop family and domestic violence."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This training will build the capacity of St John WA emergency response team members to recognise and respond to the needs of patients who may be experiencing family and domestic violence.
"Triple Zero (000) call takers were trained as a priority since they engage in every call relating to family and domestic violence.
"This training will be vital in contributing to the safety of victim-survivors when responding to calls for emergency assistance where family and domestic violence may be involved."
