The Labour Attaché and three staff from Vanuatu’s Department of Labour and Employment Services Unit travelled to Brisbane to take part in a regional workshop on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the PALM Scheme and facilitated by the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP). They joined representatives from across the Pacific and Timor-Leste to learn how to better support workers who may face GBV while in Australia.
The workshop helped participants understand what GBV is, what it looks like for PALM workers, and why it happens. They also learned about the different forms of violence including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial and how these can affect workers at different stages of their journey, from recruitment to returning home.
A key part of the training focused on recognizing warning signs and responding safely when someone discloses GBV. The team also reviewed referral pathways in Australia and in Pacific countries to ensure workers can access the right support. Discussions included tools such as the Power and Control Wheel, the Cycle of Abuse, and the GBV Tree, which explain how violence develops and impacts individuals.
The workshop also included a mental health session by SEMA Wellbeing, highlighting how stress and wellbeing challenges affect workers, families, and communities.
Overall, the Brisbane workshop strengthened the confidence and skills from all participants in identifying and responding to GBV, helping ensure safer and more supportive experiences for PALM workers.
