This symposium will explore working with women experiencing DFV in an AOD treatment/service setting, and applying trauma informed practices. Specific areas the symposium will discuss include; raising the topic of DFV, working with women from CALD backgrounds and the intersections between AOD use, DFV, victimisation and criminalisation. Please note, the symposium is open to workers/those on student placement at NADA member services who are part of the NADA Women's AOD Network. If you would like to join this Network, please contact Hannah at NADA.

Workshop agenda

9:30-11 am Raising the topic of Domestic & Family Violence in AOD Settings. Presented by Michelle Ridley, Senior Program Manager and Antonia Ravesi, Program Manager

Working with women experiencing AOD issues and DFV – research into practice
DFV routine screening for the prevention, identification and safe responses to DFV for women who are screened
Applying trauma informed care practices to DFV responses and screening processes to promote safety for women to disclose
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss with other network members their experiences of screening women for DV and to explore how we can build this to be a safe and respectful process – for both women accessing services and also for staff

11-11.30: Morning tea

11.30-1.00: Working with with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women experiencing DFV. Presented by Kittu Randhawa, Project Lead, Indian (sub-cont) Crisis and Support Agency (ICSA). ICSA is Australia’s first NGO that is dedicated to the needs of vulnerable South Asian communities. Kittu Randhawa, will facilitate a workshop to: Build your understanding about the intersections when working with CALD women experiencing DFV, Understand the dynamics of CALD cultures to build your knowledge and enhance your practice

1.00-1.45 Lunch

1.45-2.00 Practice activity. Facilitated by Michelle Ridley and Antonia Ravesi

2.00-3.00 Working in the AOD sector and responding to DFV, victimisation and criminalisation. Presented by Lucy Phelan (Manager, Advocacy, Research & Policy, Community Restorative Centre (CRC)) and co-workers. This presentation will explore the complex intersections between AOD use, DFV, victimisation and criminalisation and opportunities for the AOD sector to enhance practice and responses to these issues.

3.00-3.15 Reflection & next steps. Facilitated by Michelle Ridley.

3.15-3.30 Afternoon tea and workshop close

If you have any queries about this event, please contact Michelle at NADA.