Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (Australia) is about Supporting Survivors and Addressing the Mental Health Impact
- Shane Warren
- May 1
- 2 min read
MEDIA RLEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
1 May 2026
During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands with victim-survivors, families, and frontline workers committed to ending domestic and family violence.
Domestic and family violence is not only a physical safety issue, it is a profound mental health issue. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, hypervigilance, disrupted attachment, and long-term impacts on confidence and self-worth. Children exposed to violence are also at increased risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:
“Domestic and family violence leaves invisible wounds that can last long after the physical harm has ended. Supporting mental health recovery is essential to rebuilding safety, autonomy, and hope.” Shane Warren said.
The psychological toll of coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and intimidation can be devastating. Many survivors face additional barriers to seeking help due to fear, stigma, cultural pressures, or economic dependency.
Prevention requires more than awareness, it requires cultural change, early intervention, respectful relationship education, and strong community support systems.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy, drawing on her experience in relationship counselling, added:
“Healthy relationships are built on respect, equality, and safety. Prevention starts with education and with challenging behaviours that normalise control or violence.” Susan Sandy added.
VMHPAA calls for:
Increased access to trauma-informed mental health support
Strengthened funding for community-based services
Early education around respectful relationships
Support for children and families impacted by violence
Ongoing public commitment to ending coercive control and abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available. Reaching out can be the first step toward safety.
Domestic and family violence is preventable. Recovery is possible. Communities must stand together to protect and support those affected.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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