Toolkit: Responding to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) for Non-Clinical Workers

This toolkit helps community workers, library staff, and other non-clinical professionals to:

• recognise signs of domestic and family violence (DFV),
• respond safely to disclosures, and
• connect people with support services.

It was developed in response to reports from librarians and other non-clinical professionals who shared that community members were disclosing experiences of DFV to them.

Important Notice:

Responding to disclosures of domestic and family violence (DFV) may not fall within the formal responsibilities of all non-clinical roles—such as librarians, customer service officers, or other community-facing staff. This resource is not designed to alter anyone’s professional duties. Instead, it is intended to provide basic awareness and referral options, should staff choose to assist or find themselves in a situation where someone is seeking help.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) — you can remain anonymous.

To report concerns, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

1. Recognise

I want to help someone in a domestic violence situation | Communities and Justice

Impact of Domestic and Family Violence

Guidance on how to identify if someone may be experiencing DFV, especially in community or client-facing roles.

2. Respond

Advice for what to say, do, and avoid if you suspect or are told that someone is experiencing DFV

3. Refer: What to Do: Responding to a Disclosure

1800RESPECT Service Directory | 1800RESPECT

Ask Izzy

A step-by-step guide to safely and respectfully respond when someone discloses DFV. Includes helpline numbers and referral pathways.

4. Translated Resources 

Domestic and family violence educational videos – Arabic | Cumberland City Council

Domestic, family and sexual violence | Communities and Justice

Helplines in community languages – English | Communities and Justice

Culturally appropriate materials in community languages to support awareness and access to help.

FREE training opportunities:

• https://www.insightexchange.net/libraries-lab/
• Trauma-informed care training for primary care providers and other workers | South Western Sydney PHN
• https://www.groupworksolutions.com.au/shop/p/toxic-love-breaking-the-patterns-of-domestic-abuse 21 August 2025

Poster: https://wshealthalliance.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DV-poster.jpg

If you have any questions or would like to partner please contact us: Gautami.Motupally@WShealthalliance.nsw.gov.au