Community services workers – counsellors, support workers, case managers, and outreach staff – regularly work alone in the community. They visit clients in their homes, respond to crises, and operate in unpredictable environments with limited backup.

According to Safe Work Australia, the Health Care and Social Assistance sector consistently records some of the country’s highest rates of workplace violence, psychological injury, and stress-related compensation claims. The risk of exposure to harmful behaviours such as violence, aggression, and sexual assault can be particularly high for community services workers.