RESPOND SAFELY AND CULTURALLY TO DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE IN REFUGEE COMMUNITIES
How do experiences of war, persecution, forced displacement and refugee trauma intersect with domestic and family violence after resettlement?
For people from refugee backgrounds, domestic and family violence (DFV) may occur alongside the ongoing impacts of torture and trauma, family separation, loss, disrupted social networks, financial pressures, changing family roles and the challenges of adapting to life in a new country.
Culture, language, migration experiences and unfamiliarity with Australian services and legal systems can also influence how violence is understood, disclosed and responded to. Fear of authorities, concerns about family or community consequences, financial dependence and previous experiences of persecution may create additional barriers to seeking help.
This practical workshop, led by experienced STARTTS practitioners and trainers, will strengthen your ability to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence with people from refugee backgrounds using refugee trauma-informed, culturally safe and person-centred approaches.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
Domestic and family violence can affect people from every cultural and social background. For people who have experienced war, persecution and forced displacement, however, the effects of DFV may intersect with earlier traumatic experiences and the pressures of rebuilding life in Australia.
Resettlement can also transform family relationships. Changes in employment, financial independence, parenting, gender roles, language proficiency and social status can alter established family dynamics. At the same time, separation from extended family and community networks may reduce important sources of support.
Professionals need to be able to recognise these intersecting factors without stereotyping cultures or assuming that refugee trauma explains or excuses violence.
Understanding the relationship between domestic and family violence, refugee trauma, culture and resettlement can help you ask safer questions, recognise barriers to disclosure and support people in ways that promote safety, dignity, choice and trust.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Refugee Trauma and Resettlement
Explore how experiences of persecution, organised violence, forced displacement and resettlement can affect individuals, relationships and family functioning.
Understand DFV in the Refugee and Resettlement Context
Examine how domestic and family violence may intersect with trauma, migration experiences, family separation, changing roles and the challenges of resettlement.
Recognise Risk Factors and Signs of Domestic and Family Violence
Strengthen your ability to identify potential indicators of DFV while considering the person’s individual, family, cultural and resettlement context.
Ask About Domestic and Family Violence Safely
Develop greater confidence in screening for and discussing DFV sensitively, including recognising factors that may make disclosure particularly difficult for people from refugee backgrounds.
Respond Using Refugee Trauma-Informed Practice
Apply trauma-informed principles that promote physical and emotional safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment while minimising the risk of retraumatisation.
Provide Culturally Safe Responses
Explore how cultural beliefs, family structures, gender roles and community relationships may influence experiences of DFV and help-seeking, without relying on assumptions or cultural stereotypes.
Work Safely with Families and Communities
Consider when and how family or community involvement may be appropriate, while keeping the safety, wishes and needs of the person experiencing violence central to decision-making.
Recognise Barriers to Seeking Support
Understand how language, isolation, migration status, financial dependence, unfamiliarity with services and previous experiences of authorities may affect disclosure and access to assistance.
Support Your Own Wellbeing
Recognise the emotional impact of working with domestic and family violence and refugee trauma and consider practical strategies for professional boundaries, reflective practice and self-care.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Essential professional development for people working with individuals and families from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, including:
- Social workers and counsellors
- Case managers and settlement workers
- Domestic and family violence practitioners
- Health and allied health professionals
- Community and multicultural workers
- Child, youth and family workers
- Refugee and migrant support workers
- Housing and homelessness workers
- Educators and other professionals supporting refugee communities
No specialist domestic and family violence or refugee trauma experience is required.
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer