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Crucial training designed to help workers identify and respond to family violence is being rolled out to more people across the state, thanks to the Victorian Government.

Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney yesterday made a virtual visit to TAFE Gippsland to see the training being delivered as part of family violence reforms under Building from Strength: 10 Year Industry Plan for Family Violence Prevention and Response.

Minister Tierney joined the first class from the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-Operative (GEGAC) who are taking part in the Course on Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk.

The short course helps people who work in service roles across Victoria’s communities – such as early childhood educators, health and community services workers, hairdressers and many more – gain foundational knowledge and skills in line with Victoria’s best-practice Family Violence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework.

It is part of the Government’s $2.7 billion investment in family violence workforce development, training and skills initiatives.

TAFE Gippsland is one of eight providers already delivering the training, with Swinburne University of Technology, Sunraysia TAFE and Box Hill TAFE among the others.

In 2020, 4,000 participants are expected to complete the training, with 18,000 participants expected to finish over the next three years.

The training is being delivered free to participants, through webinars and online assessments. The course comprises 50 hours of training, delivered in three phases.

Since 2015, the Victorian Government has committed more than $1.5 billion to rebuild our TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

As stated by Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“I’m proud that Victoria is leading the nation in its commitment to high quality family violence training targeted to meet the needs of the community.”

As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams

“This course is a direct response to a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and it will empower services workers respond to family violence wherever they are across Victoria’s communities.”

As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This course will ensure students in Gippsland are learning the best-practice skills on family violence.”