Community and religious leaders will be empowered to respond to domestic and family violence through a new training program to begin next month.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the accredited course, run by TAFE NSW, will give participants the tools and resources to help people who seek their guidance.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Justice, the NSW Government is contacting religious and community groups, encouraging them to undergo the training.
“Religious and community leaders who work closely with their community, and regularly speak to their congregation, as well as leaders who work with families on matters of family disputes, are encouraged to apply,” a spokesperson said to The Greek Herald.
“The training provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to the needs of people who may be experiencing domestic and family violence, including responding to immediate intervention and support needs.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee said community and religious leaders are recognised and respected voices who will now be better equipped to support victims who seek their help.
“They can help promote healthy relationships and encourage perpetrators to change their behaviour and help victims seek the appropriate services and support,” Mr Lee said.
“The initial response when a disclosure is made can heavily affect the outcome for victims – so this training could very well save lives.”
