De-stigmatise family and domestic violence within the veteran community

The Department of Veterans' Affairs participated as a member of the RSL Lifecare Veteran Services-led Intimate Partner Violence Community of Practice (closed in July 2024) to work together on de‑stigmatising FDV within the veteran community. This included developing training for service providers in trauma informed practice, reviewing webpage resources, and empowering men to engage in change through workshops and webinars. In May 2024, Open Arms commenced a new initiative to better support Tasmanian-based veterans and families. The initiative included a two-phase Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program called Stress, Resilience, and Functioning (SRF).

SRF is a person-centred and transdiagnostic program designed to help veterans reflect upon how they react to stress and assist them to develop practical, adaptive and effective skills to reduce the impact of stressful situations.

The SRF program is an evidence-based peer led skill development program for current and former serving Australian Defence Force members experiencing the impact of trauma, stress, relationship tension and mental health challenges. The pilot will continue in Tasmania for the remainder of 2025.