Confidence

Overall, around half of the primary prevention workforce indicated that they were ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ confident that they have had enough training and experience to perform their role(s) effectively (49%). In contrast, 14% reported that they were ‘slightly’ or ‘not at all’ confident.

, around half of the primary prevention workforce indicated that they were ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ confident that they have had enough training and experience to perform their role(s) effectively (49%).

Figure 9: Confidence in level of training and experience. Q39. In relation to primary prevention of family violence, how confident are you that you have had enough training and experience to perform your role(s) effectively?

Confidence levels varied by some demographic cohorts, including:
- Years of experience – those who had been in their current role for 5 to 10 years were significantly more likely to be confident in their level of training and experience (61%), compared to those with under 5 years (44%-47%) or over 10 years’ experience (48%).
- Organisation type – respondents working in women’s health were generally more confident than others in relation their level of training and experience (68%, compared to 49% overall).

The primary prevention workforce felt that the following additional support would be most useful in increasing their confidence in performing their role(s) (see Figure 10):

information sharing and collaboration with other service providers (45%);
community of practice for primary prevention practitioners (42%); and
mentoring / peer support (39%).

Conversely, respondents were least likely to indicate that further training or increased supervision would be beneficial in this context (21% and 15% respectively).

Figure 10: Additional support required to increase confidence. Base: All respondents (n=471); multiple responses accepted

Download 'Figure 10: Additional support required to increase confidence. Base: All respondents (n=471); multiple responses accepted'

Results differed by age – younger respondents aged under 35 were considerably more likely than older respondents aged over 55 to report that they would benefit from shadowing experienced practitioners (45% versus 14%), mentoring / peer support (43% versus 25%), and organisation policies, procedures and practice guidance (34% versus 17%).

Overall, around one-fifth of the primary prevention workforce reported that they frequently respond to family violence disclosures (21% always or often).

around one-fifth of the primary prevention workforce reported that they frequently respond to family violence disclosures (21% always or often)

Q41. In your primary prevention role, overall, how often do you respond to family violence disclosures?

Frequency varied across the following demographic cohorts:

Years of experience – frequency increased with years of experience (11% for those with 1 year of experience or less, compared to 35% for those with over 10 years’ experience).
Organisation type – response to family violence disclosures was most frequent among those employed in legal services (36%), multicultural or settlement services (31%), and community organisations (31%); and least frequent among those working in policy, research and advocacy (7%), and local council / government (10%).

Updated 9 July 2021