International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:VMHPAA Calls for Safety, Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Support for All Survivors
- Shane Warren
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
25th November 2025
Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) stands in solidarity with women, families, and communities affected by gender-based violence.
Violence against women is not only a profound violation of human rights it carries lasting, often devastating mental health consequences, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and long-term psychological harm. These impacts ripple across families, workplaces, and communities, shaping lives for generations.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated, multidisciplinary response:
“Violence against women is never just a private tragedy, it is a public health emergency. The emotional and psychological scars can last a lifetime, and Australia must do more to ensure that every survivor can access timely, compassionate, trauma-informed mental health care.”
Warren continued: “Vocationally trained counsellors, social service workers, lived-experience practitioners and frontline community workers are often the first trusted people survivors turn to. Recognising their role, and resourcing it appropriately, is vital if we are serious about prevention and recovery.”
VMHPAA acknowledges that eliminating violence requires systemic change across justice, housing, health, education, and community sectors. Mental health support alone is never enough, but without it, women and children are left to face their trauma unsupported.
VMHPAA calls for:
Better access to early-intervention mental health services for women experiencing or at risk of violence
Formal recognition and funding pathways for vocationally trained counsellors in family violence and trauma support
Culturally safe and community-led services for First Nations women
Stronger workplace protections for women experiencing violence
Expansion of trauma-informed training across all frontline sectors
Today, we honour survivors’ strength, mourn the lives lost, and reaffirm our commitment to building a society where women live free from fear and where support is available the moment it is needed.
Ending violence is everyone’s responsibility. Supporting survivors is our shared obligation.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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