Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women and children impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) will have better support with a new transformative project, led by the non-profit SSI, in partnership with the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA).   

The Train, Engage, Connect and Support (TECS) Project, funded by the Department of Social Services, recognises that while FDSV is not unique to CALD communities, women and children face unique challenges requiring a community-based solution.   

This project will work closely with leaders in CALD communities to empower them to identify, discuss, prevent, and respond to the forms of abuse in domestic and family situations affecting CALD women and children.  

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis highlighted that while FDSV is not a problem unique to CALD communities, the experiences of migrant and refugee women and children are overlaid and exacerbated by nuanced challenges, including social, cultural and institutional factors.     

“CALD community and faith leaders, as trusted confidants, hold a uniquely crucial role in raising awareness and preventing FDSV.” 

“They need to be equipped and armed with the knowledge, skills, and resources to address this issue.  

“We’re looking forward to leveraging existing sector expertise and collaborating closely with multicultural and mainstream FDSV service providers, peak bodies, ethno-specific and mainstream community organisations nationally to achieve TECS project goals and address this important issue.”   

According to FECCA CEO Mary Ann Geronimo, the TECS project is a critical initiative that will put in place solutions to addressing family, domestic, and sexual violence that are truly informed and supported by communities.  

“Partnering with SSI, a respected expert on this issue, FECCA looks forward to mobilising deep community connections across the country to empower them to support those who are most vulnerable,” added Geronimo. 

Dr. Natik Kade, a leader in the Iraqi community and President of Iraqi University Graduated Forum in Australia, said the TECS project is a powerful step towards supporting marginalised individuals and an essential initiative that will assist many communities to become more aware of family, domestic, and sexual violence.  

“As this Project empowers individuals, faith and community leaders of CALD backgrounds to support and advocate for their communities, it will put struggling women and children at ease.” 

“I welcome this innovative project that will provide leaders the tools and resources to support CALD women and children and other vulnerable groups, creating a safer environment where every person, regardless of background, is supported and protected.” –   

The TECS project will encompass 23 state and regional peak organisations and extend its reach to over 1,500 ethnic and faith-based community organisations and their leaders. This coalition will serve as a solid foundation for listening, collaborating, and co-designing resources that address the needs of CALD communities.   

SSI and FECCA have begun leveraging their strong relationships with multicultural communities and faith leaders, and drawing on lived experience expertise to co-design, develop, and deliver an evidence-based, culturally appropriate national training package and resources on FDSV for CALD communities and faith leaders.   

Related: SSI review sets progressive vision for a strong and multicultural Australia

To know more about family safety, check out Third Sector’s 2nd National Family Safety Summit.