The effects on young people of witnessing or experiencing family violence can be life-long. As Safe Steps seeks to align family violence practice with state and national policy focussed on providing services to children and young people as victim survivors in their own right, it is critical to recognise the diverse needs and experiences of young people. 

Thanks to a Churchill Fellowship, Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps, engaged with diverse organisations, academics, commissioners, governments and services specialising in crisis response for young people affected by violence in more than a dozen countries. 

This session will showcase innovative and effective responses that acknowledge and respond to the distinct challenges that young people face – including transformative approaches to working with trauma. Drawing on hundreds of conversations, Chelsea will offer fresh perspectives, sharing insights into co-design, recognising unique needs and vulnerabilities to tailor services and ensuring systems, programs and clinical responses share a trauma-informed philosophy.