Communities of Practice are emerging as a successful and sought-after mechanism to improve the wellbeing of workers, organisations and the primary prevention sector.
Our communities of practice (CoP) purposely bring together those working in primary prevention or respectful relationships education to explore challenges and opportunities, support evidence-based approaches, and strengthen policy and practice in relation to this work.
Communities of practice are a safe space for prevention practitioners to exchange knowledge, resources and ideas and build rich relationships. Through peer learning and expert facilitation, we enable opportunities for personal growth and practical skill development.
The next round of communities of practice commences in September 2023. Please register your interest for any Safe and Equal CoP and we will be in touch closer to this time.
“When you’re in it by yourself you feel like you’re swimming, you’re struggling, but when there are others going through the same things, you are sharing and supporting each other.”
– COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE PARTICIPANT (JUNE 2022)

Previous primary prevention communities of practice
Regional and Rural Prevention Practitioners CoP
This Community of Practice provides a distinct opportunity for prevention practitioners that work in regional and rural prevention settings to routinely come together across 6 sessions. In a professionally facilitated environment, the Regional/Rural CoP will work to provide opportunity for knowledge sharing, identifying and work through shared challenges and opportunities that arise specifically in regional prevention practice. Participation in this CoP will build confidence, collegiality and leverage the prevention skills and knowledge in regional prevention work.
Respectful Relationship Education CoP
This Community of Practice aims to connect practitioners working to implement and support the delivery of Respectful Relationships Education in schools across Victoria. In a structured space, the CoP encourages peer learning, reflective practice, idea sharing and group troubleshooting to shared or unique challenges, to connect, collaborate and celebrate, leading to more effective outcomes. Participation in this CoP will foster practitioner wellbeing, build confidence and connection to prevention practice and sector colleagues in RRE delivery and support.
Emerging Prevention Practitioners CoP
This Community of Practice provides a unique opportunity for people who are learning and growing in their prevention of violence against women and family violence roles to routinely come together. In a professionally facilitated environment, the CoP provides opportunity for knowledge transfer and identifying and working through shared challenges and opportunities that arise in early career development. Participation in this community will build confidence and support key knowledge and skills for doing this work effectively.
Mid-Senior Level Practitioner CoP
This community of practice provides a unique opportunity for practitioners who are established in their prevention careers, and are looking to build their networks and hone skills in practice and leadership. In a professionally facilitated environment, this CoP provides opportunity for knowledge transfer and identifying and working through shared challenges and opportunities. Participation in this community will build skills and leadership capabilities, and support the enhancement of key knowledge for doing this work effectively.
Want to confirm if a CoP is the right fit for you?
Our CoPs are tailored specifically for primary prevention practitioners. Check out our resource on the approaches to addressing violence against women here to where your work lands on the continuum.
If you have any further questions, email us at prevention@safeandequal.org.au.
Here are the high level results from Safe and Equal CoPs in 2021-22:
100%
of participants across all four CoPs felt that the format was engaging and that the themes covered were relevant to their work.
85%
of CoP participants agreed or strongly agreed that the CoP had deepened their understanding of evidence-based practice.
100%
of participants felt that the CoP had supported them to create and nurture connections with other practitioners and build networks.
96%
of all CoP participants believed that they had gained at least one new idea, resource, or key message that would support their future practice.