Family and Domestic Violence – life on the frontline

Violence in regional areas differs from metropolitan areas not just in frequency, but in pattern and persistence. The Alexis team sees higher rates of repeat offending, breaches of intervention orders, and serious assault in regional areas. Image: Supplied

Every day, the highly skilled Salvation Army Alexis team works on the frontline, prioritising engagement before change, safety within context, and stabilisation before long-term planning. The work can be tough, challenging, and emotionally taxing. So, what drives them to take it on and find meaning and resilience in such demanding roles? Lani Kahn, Practice Leader of the Alexis Family Violence Response Program, shared some insights.

Staff stay resilient in their demanding roles because they are driven by purpose – they know their work matters.

We are a service that helps those most in need avoid falling through persistent gaps and cracks. Being part of a specialist, evolving program is highly motivating for staff – one that will continue to grow and develop. The role offers room to develop, adapt practices, and ensure trauma-informed responses.

If somebody works in the family violence sector, you want to be part of that change. You want to be part of reducing harm for people, working on injustice and inequality – all of those sorts of things that come out day to day. It’s not just the immediate risk; you want to work towards breaking those intergenerational cycles.

Vicarious trauma is managed through layered supervision and support, making staff wellbeing a core safety priority. Staff receive ongoing external clinical supervision to process trauma exposure, manage risk, and reflect on practice. 

Fortnightly or monthly supervision with team leaders ensures complex cases are discussed and accountability is shared, ensuring no one carries risk alone. Daily debriefing, case consultation, and reflective practice help staff navigate challenges, moral distress, and ongoing exposure to family violence.

Strong connections between embedded practitioners and policing teams are central, with shared case responsibility preventing isolation in decision-making. Structured wellbeing support encourages work-life boundaries, regular leave, and rest. Managing stress is essential for skilled practitioners, allowing them to go home confident that their work prevents harm and changes trajectories for high-risk individuals.