Family violence training sessions to better support students and the community

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is working with communities and tradies to promote equal respectful relationships and stop family violence before it starts.

The university will be offering free public education sessions on family violence safety to the local community and CDU apprentices, with the first session launching on December 8 at the Alice Springs campus. 

The sessions, supported by CDU’s College of Health and Human Sciences, will focus on explaining the different types of violence that are classified as family or domestic violence, respectful relationships training and discuss the cycle of violence.

CDU also launched the first purple bench in the Northern Territory, as part of a global campaign that raises awareness to one of Australia’s biggest health issues, family and domestic violence.

The Purple Bench is located at CDU Alice Springs campus as a visible reminder that domestic and family violence exists in our community and that Territorians have a responsibility to recognise and build awareness of this issue.

CDU Community Services Lecturer Wendy Lever-Henderson said that this bench will be a reminder that CDU stands in solidarity with survivors and hopes that this is the first of many initiatives to help respond to this major issue.

“These are important conversations that need to be had so that people can be aware and can respond to either situations in their lives or as an advocate,” Ms Lever Henderson said.

“Family violence can occur in any community, which is why all communities should be able to access the support they need to prevent it.”

Ms Lever-Henderson said the training sessions will ensure CDU students are learning best-practise skills on family violence.

Associate Vice-Chancellor Jay Walker said that he hopes the launch of the bench and the family violence training will help kickstart important conversations in the community.

“We are hoping that this will help the community to start having these open discussions and to let victims know that they are not alone,” Mr Walker said.

“We’re delivering tailored family violence prevention initiatives because everyone should be free to live a life free from violence.”

“It is important that the University is able to provide a safe space for the community to learn and grow together.”

The bench is also adorned with a plaque in memory of domestic violence victims and contact details for the Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia as well as the 24-hour national helpline.

CDU will launch other family violence trainings and benches across other campuses for students and the public in coming months.

Members of the community who would like to attend the CDU education session, on Wednesday, December 8 from 5 to 7 pm should contact Charles Darwin University in Central Australia on 8959 5311.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence please reach out to 1800RESPECT.

The launch of the purple bench at CDU, also aligns with the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against gender violence.