Recognise, Respond and Refer: What to Do When a Student is Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence
Tuesday 25 November 2025 | 12:00pm AEST | Presented by Natalie Oostergo and Siân Tooker
“Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe can be considered family and domestic violence. Abuse doesn't have to involve hurt to your body, or physical violence, to be domestic or family violence” - Services Australia; 1800Respect
This professional development event will resource VET practitioners to recognise, respond and refer when a student is experiencing domestic and family violence.
We will explore the nature and prevalence of domestic and family violence in Australia, including amongst student cohorts.
Participants will learn practical strategies to support students with experiences of domestic and family violence to access effective and culturally appropriate supports, and to reduce or remove barriers to study that may be experienced by those students.
During this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to hear from a presenter with both the professional experience of supporting victim survivors of domestic and family violence, and the personal lived experience of domestic and family violence.
By the end of the webinar, participants will:
Be able to identify their role – and its limitations – in supporting students who are experiencing domestic and family violence
Be able to recognise the signs that a student may be experiencing domestic and family violence
Know how to respond appropriately to a student’s disclosure of domestic and family violence
Be resourced to refer the student to appropriate resources and support services
This PD is designed for VET practitioners who are looking to enhance their ability to support students experiencing domestic and family violence by:
Recognising the signs
Responding appropriately, and
Referring them to relevant resources and services
It is not intended as, nor will take the place of, professional counsellor training.
This session will be hosted on 25th November which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. #NoExcuse
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. In 2023, every 10 minutes partners and family members killed a woman intentionally.
One in six women in Australia have experienced physical violence or sexual violence by a current partner or previous partner since the age of 15.
One in four women in Australia have experienced emotional abuse by a current or previous partner since the age of 15.
While we recognise that domestic and family violence is not exclusively against women, there are gendered patterns in violence perpetration and victimisation, and women are disproportionately represented as victims of this abuse.
If you need help, reach out to the following:
Triple zero - 000 - if your life is in danger
Lifeline - 13 11 14
MensLine Australia - 1300 78 99 78
Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
13 YARN - 13 92 76
Natalie Oostergo
Siân TookerLearn more about Siân