Growing lived expertise: evaluating a Victim Survivor Advocate training program
Who holds the power to change the future of family violence prevention and recovery and what happens when survivors lead the way?
Recognising the need for survivor leadership
When people with lived experience of family violence are given the right support, they can become powerful leaders and advocates for change. The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Family Violence Partnership (RFVP) wanted to make this possible. In May and June 2024, they piloted a new training program to help survivors grow their confidence and skills so they could take on leadership and advocacy roles. This included joining important decision-making groups, mentoring others, and helping shape better support systems.
Victim-survivors of family violence hold unique knowledge of the systemic gaps and challenges within the support and response networks. However, their perspectives are not always as present in decision-making spaces. While many organisations seek to include lived expertise in co-design activities and in advisory roles, few provide structured training for survivors to step into these leadership positions with confidence.
The RFVP identified this gap and, with the expertise of Morgan Cataldo and Tess Moodie (morgan&co) and guidance from a Victim-Survivor Advocate Reference Group, created a training program that would turn experience into expertise. ThirdStory (then Innovation Unit Australia New Zealand) partnered with RFVP to evaluate the impact of this pilot and uncover insights that could inform its future.
Building confidence, advocacy, and systemic influence
Over three and a half days in May and June 2024, eight participants engaged in an immersive, in-person training program supported by four facilitators. With a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice and trauma-informed approaches, the program aimed to build leadership skills and advocacy capabilities.
The results of the pilot exceeded expectations. Participants reported significant growth in confidence, self-belief, and their ability to influence change. Feedback highlighted the power of peer connections, the importance of a safe and supported learning environment, and the program’s role in shaping personal and professional ambitions. Our evaluation revealed a nearly 30% increase in participant confidence, with 100% of attendees recommending the training to others.
Insights and the Path Forward
ThirdStory’s evaluation identified key factors that contributed to the program’s success. The co-design approach ensured that lived experience remained central to the curriculum, while expert facilitation created an adaptive and responsive learning space. Behind-the-scenes coordination from RFVP built trust and sustained engagement, reinforcing a culture of safety and empowerment.
Looking ahead, there is strong interest in replicating and expanding the program. However, careful consideration is needed to maintain its integrity and impact. Future iterations may explore tailored approaches for different communities, such as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and First Nations groups, and develop clearer pathways for graduates to step into leadership roles. Ensuring the right facilitators and support structures are in place will be critical to sustaining the program’s effectiveness.
ThirdStory remains committed to supporting survivor-led change, working alongside RFVP and other partners to refine and expand this pioneering initiative. By investing in lived experience leadership, we can create stronger, more responsive systems designed not just for survivors, but by them.
To explore the key findings and recommendations from this evaluation, read the executive summary here. If you’d like to learn more or get involved in this important work, please reach out to Christine Robinson at christine.robinson.rfvp@fvree.org.au.
Project team
Perrie Ballantyne Director, Collaboration and Systems Change
Tally Daphu Senior Project Lead