Every May, Family Violence Prevention Month calls for an end to family and gender-based violence and encourages us all to help create safer communities. It is a time to reflect on the role each of us plays in preventing violence – at home, at work and in the community.

Preventing family and sexual violence requires action from individuals, organisations and institutions. By challenging harmful behaviours, attitudes and cultural norms, we can contribute to meaningful, long-term change.

We know that family and sexual violence in Tasmania arises from a complex mix of economic, social and community factors. Stopping violence before it starts requires a shared commitment. Individuals, organisations and government must continue working together to build a safer Tasmania for women, children and families.

Every one of us has a role to play in preventing gender-based violence. During Family Violence Prevention Month, there are a number of ways you can get involved and take meaningful action, including:

Into the Loop

Into the Loop is an annual event hosted by the Department of Justice’s Safe at Home Coordination Unit, with sessions held statewide throughout May. It brings together Safe at Home partners and non‑government organisations working with individuals and families affected by, or at risk of, family violence.

The events provide family violence sector professionals with opportunities to deepen understanding of available services and strengthen coordinated responses across Tasmania. This year’s program highlights the work of non‑government services, sharing practice insights and outlining supports available across the system, with a focus on collaboration and continuity of response.

Please contact the organisers to book your spot - safeathome@justice.tas.gov.au

Participate in events hosted by the Tasmanian community family violence sector

Through its calendar of events, the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance brings together activities hosted by organisations across Tasmania’s family violence sector. These events support collaboration, learning, and collective action to prevent family violence. Access the calendar of events

Hear from sector experts: learn how to recognise, respond to, and prevent family violence

Produced and hosted by the Department of Health, the four-part podcast series will be released weekly throughout May and will mirror and build on the four sections of the new Tasmanian State Service Family Violence Training. The series will:

  • examine the prevalence and impact of family and sexual violence within the Tasmanian community;
  • explore how to recognise the signs of family violence, including coercive control;
  • discuss what we can do to respond to family violence in the workplace, and the supports available within the Tasmanian State Service; and
  • explore a primary prevention approach to addressing the underlying, gendered drivers of violence.

Each episode will include an interview with an expert from the family violence sector, including the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance, Family Violence Counselling and Support Service, and Our Watch.

The series will be released on the One Health Podcast feed through podcasting platforms including Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.