Workforce Census on Family Violence Issues – Closes 5 May

The Early childhood education and care sector was recently invited to take part in the Victorian Government’s family violence workforce census.

This important survey closes on Friday 5 May and early childhood development professionals can complete it at: Family Violence Workforce Census 2017

The survey follows a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which highlighted a lack of information about Victoria’s existing family violence and related workforce.

We know family violence affects the whole community. Studies have shown that children exposed to family violence are at risk of a range of issues, and their health and development fare worse than those of their peers.

Many early childhood development professionals play an important role in supporting children and families who are affected by family violence. The census is an opportunity for them to have their say about the impact of family violence on their work with children and families.

Open to a wide range of professionals across the Victorian community services, justice, health and education sectors, the census will also inform the Government’s 10-Year Family Violence Industry Plan. The plan, to be released in December 2017, will identify the support, training and development required to help a range of professionals prevent and respond to family violence.

Data collected will include information relating to demographics and occupational data, qualifications, access to professional development and supervision, health and wellbeing, and future intentions.

Please encourage family, friends and colleagues in the early childhood development sector to complete the census before it closes, as broad and wide staff participation will strengthen the quality of the result. The survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete.

The census is voluntary and responses are confidential between participants and the administrator and no personal identifiers are sought.

Taking part in the census may raise sensitive issues for some. You can find information about helplines and support services see: Family violence support

For more information on the workforce census and a range of Frequently Asked Questions, see: Family violence workforce census

If you have other queries or concerns, contact: workforce.census@dpc.vic.gov.au   ​