At the crisis service Safe Steps, CEO Chelsea Tobin manages 150,000 calls daily, many of which are immediately transferred from Triple Zero. The calls include a diverse range of individuals facing domestic violence situations, such as a woman on a spouse visa in an arranged marriage, a woman from a small town struggling to recognize abuse from her childhood sweetheart, a scared 17-year-old boy, a woman with an effective intervention order who took her partner back after a suicide attempt, a man hiding from his partner’s ex, and a trans person afraid to reach out for help. Despite the severity of their situations, many victims are reluctant to involve the police due to various reasons, such as still loving their abuser or fearing homelessness.
The majority of calls to Safe Steps involve men being violent against women and children, highlighting the gendered nature of family violence. While most interventions come from frontline workers who navigate the complexities of abuse with grace and empathy, there is a need for more effective strategies to assist victim survivors. According to Tobin, the most successful interventions are rooted in grassroots organizations like Frontyard, McAuley House, and In-Touch services, as well as innovative models like The Sanctuary, which provides intensive support for victim survivors in purpose-built facilities. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to abuse, these programs offer a pathway to safety and healing for those in crisis.
The Sanctuary model, co-created with victim survivors and frontline workers, offers wraparound support for women and children in crisis. By providing access to a range of services including childcare, education, healthcare, legal aid, and financial assistance, victim survivors are empowered to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being. Over a three-week stay, individuals are gradually removed from the control of their abusers, enabling them to rebuild their lives and secure a brighter future. The success of these programs not only saves lives but also reduces the long-term costs associated with acute services and supports the overall well-being of those affected by domestic violence.
As CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Tobin emphasizes the importance of collectively supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence. With hundreds of people in need of assistance on any given night, there is a critical need for community-wide efforts to provide comprehensive care and resources for victim survivors. By wrapping our collective arms around those in crisis, we can create a safer and more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For those in need of support, resources like the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service are available to provide assistance and guidance during difficult times.
The frontline workers in the domestic violence sector play a crucial role in supporting victim survivors and addressing the complexities of abuse. By approaching each case with compassion, understanding, and expertise, these individuals work tirelessly to empower those in crisis and help them reclaim their lives. While the challenges faced by frontline workers are immense, their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through continued collaboration and innovation, we can build a safer and more compassionate world where all individuals have the opportunity to live free from violence and fear.
