[On screen text: So, what do you do? What if your new job was helping people affected by family violence?]
Zoe, After hours family violence support worker: Most of us have a close friend, a loved one, or a family member who has experienced family violence and it was from this point I was so inspired and compelled by these stories of strength and bravery from victim survivors that I knew that this was the sort of work that I wanted to do. I wanted to be part of a really passionate workforce that is committed to ending family violence in Australia.
Leah, Counsellor Advocate, Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault: To be able to sit with someone and be a safe person for them while they do their own healing is just so powerful and you just learn so much about yourself in the process as well, and about your outlook on the world, and also your increased awareness on these issues.
Amber, Family Violence Case Manager, Salvation Army: You might see as a professional working in the sector the empathy, compassion and an underlying I would say passion for our community and for fighting for the injustices that are all around us unfortunately. When I stepped into this field I probably couldn't have told you what skills or qualities I had for a role in family violence but what I've learned along the way is that the field is full of really good, quality training and that allows us as professionals to upskill continuously and continue that learning journey and reflection on what best practice is.
Michael, Policy Officer, No To Violence: I would encourage people not to be afraid of the work. When you are in a good organisation with good teams, good training, good support, good professional development and our sector does have so much of that now that you can learn so much on the job.
Charmaine, Senior Practitioner, Aboriginal Family Violence: This to me is probably my most passionate work. This to me is the most meaningful work I’ve ever done in my life and I've worked at so many jobs. Working in family violence to me is soul, soul-fulfilling stuff and I really encourage people to not be afraid of the work. It is really rewarding. Yes, it's challenging but life’s challenging. But its probably the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.
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