What You Can Do to Help Prevent Family Violence

Preventing family violence is not the responsibility of one person, organisation or sector alone.

Creating safer communities requires collective action. It happens when individuals, families, workplaces, schools, community organisations and governments all play their part.

While specialist services provide critical support to people experiencing family violence, prevention happens in the everyday actions, conversations and choices that shape our communities.

At FVREE, we believe everyone has a role to play in creating communities where people are safe, respected and free from family violence.

Why Family Violence Is a Community Issue

Family violence often occurs behind closed doors, but its impacts reach far beyond individual households.

It affects children, families, workplaces, schools and communities. The social and economic impacts are felt across all areas of society.

Because family violence affects everyone, preventing it requires a community-wide response.

Creating change starts with recognising that family violence is not simply a private issue. It is a social issue that requires collective responsibility and action.

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

Many people want to help prevent family violence but are unsure where to start.

The good news is that prevention doesn’t always involve large-scale initiatives. Everyday actions can contribute to safer, more respectful communities.

This might include:

• Challenging harmful stereotypes and assumptions
• Promoting equality and inclusion
• Speaking respectfully about others
• Modelling healthy relationships
• Learning about family violence and its impacts
• Supporting people to access specialist help when needed

When enough people take small actions, they contribute to broader cultural change.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers are often children’s first and most influential role models.

Children learn about relationships, communication and respect through the people around them. By modelling empathy, fairness and respect, adults can help children develop positive understandings of healthy relationships.

Simple everyday conversations about emotions, boundaries, inclusion and kindness can help children build important skills that support their wellbeing throughout life.

Creating safer communities starts with the messages children receive at home.

The Role of Schools and Early Years Settings

Schools and early childhood services play a powerful role in shaping attitudes and behaviours.

Educators have opportunities to help children and young people develop:

• Respectful relationship skills
• Inclusion and belonging
• Gender equality
• Emotional literacy
• Empathy and understanding
• Positive conflict resolution skills

These experiences help create strong foundations for healthy relationships and contribute to safer communities over time.

The Role of Workplaces

Family violence can impact every workplace.

Employers and colleagues are often in a unique position to recognise when someone may need support and to create environments where people feel safe seeking help.

Workplaces can contribute by:

• Building awareness and understanding
• Supporting employee wellbeing
• Creating respectful workplace cultures
• Providing access to information and resources
• Equipping staff with confidence to respond appropriately

Safe and supportive workplaces can play an important role in both prevention and early intervention.

The Role of Community Organisations

Community organisations help create connection, belonging and support.

Sporting clubs, libraries, neighbourhood houses, youth organisations, faith communities and local groups all have opportunities to promote inclusion, challenge harmful stereotypes and foster cultures of respect.

These settings are often where people learn, connect and build relationships. They can be powerful spaces for creating positive change.

How FVREE Supports Communities

FVREE family violence education works alongside communities to strengthen family violence prevention efforts and build safer environments for everyone.

Our work includes:

• Community education programs
• Professional development and training
• Youth leadership initiatives
• Early years prevention programs
• Practical resources and tools
• Partnerships and advocacy

By helping people build knowledge, skills and confidence, we support communities to turn awareness into meaningful action.

Creating Change Together

There is no single solution to preventing family violence.

However, every person, organisation and community has the ability to contribute to change.

When we promote equality, challenge harmful attitudes, support one another and create cultures of respect, we help build a future where family violence is less likely to occur.

Creating safer communities is something we all have a role in.

Together, we can help create a future where everyone is safe, respected and free from family violence.

Learn More

Explore FVREE family violence education and prevention programs, training opportunities and community resources to learn how you can contribute to safer, more equal communities.

About FVREE

FVREE is a specialist family violence organisation working across prevention, support and recovery. We partner with communities, schools, workplaces and service providers to help create safer, more equal communities free from family violence.