Inclusive practice

Domestic, family or sexual violence can be experienced by anyone
Some people experience higher rates of sexual, domestic and family violence than others
Inclusive practice means thinking about all of the things that may create barriers to accessing support for people experiencing violence and abuse.

Domestic, family and sexual violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, cultural background, gender or physical ability. There are some groups in the community that are more at risk than others of experiencing violence or abuse. It's important to keep these risks in mind when supporting anyone, whether they have disclosed violence or not.

In addition, some people face greater barriers to accessing services because of their particular circumstances. Those who face greatest barriers include:

People with disability
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual and other sexually or gender diverse (LGBTQIA+)
People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

It is essential to understand the unique barriers and risks faced by some groups of people when providing support. Certain factors, such as forced marriage and living in a recently disaster affected area, can also put people at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.

The content in this section, summarised via the menu, will assist professionals in providing inclusive practice when supporting these diverse groups of people.

Related information

Resources and tools

These resources and tools can be used by workers in all sectors who may come into contact with people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic and family violence.

Training and professional development

Our website provides an overview of the level of training about sexual assault and domestic and family violence that workers should access depending on their role and professional background.

Leadership and management

Whether an employee is experiencing sexual, domestic or family violence themselves, or is supporting those who are, there are things managers and workplaces can do to respond appropriately, provide support and refer to support services.