Leadership journeys

Family violence affects thousands of Victorians – disproportionately women and children – and its impacts are devastating and wide-ranging. Leaders in the family violence sector play a crucial role in ensuring victim survivors receive the services and support they need, and in leading the social and cultural change required to break the cycle of family violence. The Institute’s Leadership Intensive Program was part of a suite of initiatives funded by the Victorian State Government to strengthen the workforce. It enabled leaders in the family violence sector to build their knowledge and capabilities so they could more effectively contribute to and navigate the ‘ambitious, complex and unprecedented’ reform agenda prompted by the findings and recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence. The Leadership Journeys Project explored the experiences of leaders in the family violence sector during this period of unparalleled growth and change.

The project provided valuable insights into drivers of workforce retention in the family violence sector. Data collected via surveys and interviews with 65 sector leaders confirmed the need to promote greater consistency in the design of management and leadership roles, and in the remuneration levels for these roles. The need for ongoing training and networking opportunities for leaders across Victoria was also apparent. Burnout and high-pressure work environments were identified as key challenges to retention and career progression. Participants in the project also highlighted the importance of feminist perspectives and approaches to leadership in the family violence sector.