Exmouth’s frontline workers encouraged to take part in domestic violence awareness course

Frontline responders in Exmouth will have the opportunity to take part in a two-day workshop later this month to help identify domestic violence in the multicultural community. The two-day DV-alert workshop at Exmouth’s Ningaloo Centre is aimed at frontline workers to show them how to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, how to respond, and refer appropriately within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Lifeline WA chief executive Lorna MacGregor said she was particularly concerned about the link between domestic violence and suicide. “Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis line receives thousands of calls from people who are struggling to see a way out of abusive relationships,” she said. “We know there is an increasing need to provide support in the community with escalating incidents of domestic violence. Ms MacGregor said the multicultural response training was needed now “more than ever before”. “Frontline workers hold a unique position of trust in the community and may be the first to see the signs,” she said. “The workshops inform people about how to recognise the signs of domestic violence, how to support the person, and where to go for help.” The workshop will be held on March 30-31.