DFV training and change management framework

The Domestic and family violence training and change management framework (training framework) is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to address domestic and family violence (DFV). It recognises that everyone has a role to play in achieving this goal.

The training framework guides the alignment of training for staff and organisations working across the DFV and justice service systems toward a consistent, evidence-based, trauma-informed and person-centred response to victim-survivors of DFV and persons who use violence.

The training framework defines the ‘DFV service system’ broadly. It includes specialist DFV services—as well as mainstream services and community organisations—whose day-to-day work brings them into contact with people impacted by DFV.

It recognises the importance of training as a tool to educate people about DFV and coercive control and to support them to respond helpfully, appropriately and sensitively within the parameters of their role.

Note: The contents of this document may bring up strong feelings in some readers. Support is available and you are encouraged to reach out to the support services listed on this page if you need to.

Purpose of the training framework

The training framework is designed with an awareness of the breadth of agency and organisation types across the DFV and justice service systems, and the varying levels of readiness and capacity to recognise and respond to DFV.

The training framework recognises that training should be ongoing and is only one part of the action needed to develop a mature, well-informed DFV response within an organisation. Training outcomes are maximised when supported through change management strategies at an organisational level, including updating policies and procedures to help staff put learning into practice. The training framework supports organisations with this evolution, no matter where they begin their journey and the context in which they work.

The training  framework is:

  • a guiding document that sets DFV training standards for tailored application within organisations
  • a tool to support organisations to identify DFV training needs and gaps
  • a resource to support development or procurement of DFV training, using learning objectives
  • evidence-based, adaptable and reviewed regularly to retain currency
  • supported by fact sheets to provide additional guidance.

Who should use the training framework

The primary audience for the training framework is those involved in the development and delivery of organisational training and change management processes—as well as leaders—however it is a resource that is available to all staff and volunteers across the broader service system.

This includes:

  • government and non-government agencies for whom DFV prevention and response is part of their core business
  • government agencies, non-government organisations and community-based services that engage with victim-survivors and persons who use violence for reasons other than direct DFV-related response (such as those working in mental health, youth support, family support, public transport and sporting organisations).

The training framework identifies different ‘role levels’ where staff or volunteers may fit within an organisation. Each level has its own learning objectives.

There are 3 workforce levels and 2 leader levels:

  • All roles—includes any role performed across the broader DFV and justice service systems.
  • Mainstream and non-DFV specialist service roles—includes roles that have contact with victim-survivors and persons who use violence and can provide early intervention support.
  • Specialist DFV service roles—includes specialist DFV roles that require a deeper and more nuanced understanding of DFV related risk, escalation of risk and appropriate responses.
  • Leaders (people)—those responsible for managing and supporting staff and volunteers within an organisation.
  • Leaders (systems)—organisational leaders as well as program and policy leaders within an organisation.

Applying the training framework

The training framework provides tools and guidance for individual agencies to consider in planning training solutions for their workforce. This includes undertaking local training needs analysis, developing a training strategy and approach, and activating other enablers for change.

The training framework includes information to help you:

  • plan a local training needs analysis
  • audit your existing training and resources against the framework to identify training needs
  • develop a training strategy and approach
  • activate enablers of change.

The Queensland Government is supporting the implementation of DFV training—in alignment with the training framework—by establishing a dedicated DFV Training Support and Coordination Service. Once operational, government agencies and non-government organisations will have:

  • support to audit their existing DFV training against the training framework
  • access to expert advice to help customise DFV training for their workforce
  • access to a suite of foundational, online training resources
  • support to develop change management strategies to support DFV learning outcomes
  • access to some direct training if working with priority cohorts.

The new service is not expected to be operational until late 2024. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Resources

The following fact sheets have been created to provide additional guidance:

Contact

If you have questions about using the training framework, you can contact the Strategy Implementation team at DFVTrainingFramework@justice.qld.gov.au.

Last updated:
12 April 2024