St John WA’s First Responders across the State will benefit from vital family and domestic violence training to ensure they can better support victim-survivors.
The State Government has provided $2.1 million to build the capacity of Triple Zero call-takers, paramedics, and volunteers to deal with the issue, which is a growing concern in WA and nationally, with a recent spate of DV-related deaths in SA making headlines around the country.
St John WA receives up to 6,000 calls each year from patients displaying injuries relevant to suspected family and domestic violence incidents.
They have 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 to recently complete the training.
“Our State’s First Responders play a vital role in responding to calls for assistance from people who are experiencing family and domestic violence,” Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said.
“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.”
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the training would 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, and this training will be vital in contributing to the safety of victim-survivors.”
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.