The WA Government has announced a $2 million specialised training initiative that is set to help over 5,000 frontline professionals in the justice system better identify and respond to family and domestic violence.
Under the Legal and Justice Sector First Responder Training Initiative, first responders at the Department of Justice and WA Police will receive targeted training to assist their role in supporting victim-survivors and holding perpetrators to account.
This will include police officers, adult community corrections officers, youth justice officers, and staff working in custodial roles.
In addition, dedicated funding has been committed to develop Aboriginal-led training about family violence and the unique experiences facing Aboriginal victim-survivors engaging with the justice system.
“This initiative will provide additional support and training for those who are working directly with victim-survivors and perpetrators,” said Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister, Sabine Winton.
“It will also support greater awareness and understanding of issues that underpin family violence. The training is a critical piece in ensuring the system-readiness in advance of criminalisation.”
As part of the initiative, Legal Aid WA will design and deliver a targeted coercive control training program for lawyers and legal professionals working across the legal sector.
The initiative has been informed by consultation with the family and domestic violence sector and implements one of the recommendations of the Western Australian Commissioner for Victims of Crime’s review into coercive control.
“It is crucial that our justice system responds effectively and appropriately to family and domestic violence, including coercive control,” said Attorney General John Quigley.
“Legal Aid WA’s training program will play an important role in ensuring lawyers and legal professionals across Western Australia understand how to best identify and respond to coercive control.”
“This initiative is crucial because what the evidence from overseas shows us is that introducing a standalone offence, when coercive control is not well understood, may result in a lack of charges, failure to obtain convictions and increased risk of harm to victim-survivors.”
Police Minister, Paul Papalia said WA police officers already receive mandatory family and domestic violence training, and this initiative will further complement that with targeted education around coercive control behaviours.
“Our Government understands the importance of ensuring all first responders, including WA Police, receive consistent training to deal with family and domestic violence,” said Minister Papalia.