Thursday, 4 June 2026
Zonta House Refuge Association has launched an innovative new ‘FDV First Aid’ training course to equip communities to recognise and respond safely to support people experiencing harm and violence.
Developed by Zonta House and funded by Chevron Australia, the course addresses a critical gap between awareness and safe action at a time when FDV remains a widespread issue.
So far in Australia in 2026, 30 women and 11 children have been allegedly murdered by a current or former intimate partner, while one in four women over 15 years old disclose experiences of violence.*
Zonta House Chief Executive Officer Kelda Oppermann said FDV First Aid has been developed to build confidence to respond safely and effectively.
“We know that the first signs, effects or disclosure of violence are often among family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members, but uncertainty, feelings of shame and fear, of both victim-survivor and the support person, can make addressing it incredibly difficult,” Ms Oppermann said.
“A safe, respectful and informed response from that first point of contact can make all the difference, helping someone feel believed, supported and more able to seek professional help.
“With a community empowered to know how to recognise and respond to FDV, how to best support those experiencing it, we are shifting the responsibility to where it belongs – with the person choosing to use violence, not the victim-survivor. At Zonta House we are committed to contributing to a culture where family and domestic violence is unacceptable.”
FDV First Aid training focuses on recognising the signs, responding appropriately with confidence, and taking practical steps to support someone experiencing violence.
FDV First Aid forms part of Zonta House’s Empowerment Through Education program, delivered in partnership with Chevron Australia. The program supports a range of initiatives aimed at building community awareness, capability and prevention of family and domestic violence.
Chevron Australia General Manager Human Resources Kate Gilomen said Chevron was proud to support a program building capability across the community.
“Family and domestic violence is not an issue that services alone can solve – it requires a shared, community-wide response,” Ms Gilomen said.
“Most people understand the importance of first aid and knowing how to respond in an emergency. By supporting FDV First Aid, we are helping equip the community with similar practical skills to recognise the signs of violence and respond early in ways that prioritise safety, dignity and connection.”
FDV First Aid is a one-day, in-person course, now open for registrations and suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
Zonta House also delivers community and customised workplace training, for group sessions for organisations.
More information about the course and training opportunities is available at zontahouse.org.au/training.
*Sources: https://australianfemicidewatch.org/database/and https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/types-of-violence/intimate-partner-violence
