Suppport Provided.
About PTSI & Support.
Post-traumatic stress disorder/injury (PTSD or PTSI) can develop after experiencing or witnessing trauma – something Victoria Police Officers, Protective Security Officers and Veterans have faced more often than most. Symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts can impact daily life. Around 1 in 10 police officers develop PTSI, and over half report traumatic events that deeply affect them.
We understand it’s not always easy to ask for help.
That’s where Protecting the Protectors steps in through programs developed by St John of God and Assistance Dogs Australia which also benefits officers’ and veterans families.
We support our Victoria Police Officers, Protective Security Officers and Veterans by providing accessible and confidential care. As a registered charity, we fund vital inpatient and outpatient treatment, helping bypass long wait times and ensuring early intervention -so those who serve our community get the support they deserve.
What We Do to Support You?
Our purpose is to provide functional support to retired and current serving Victoria Police Officers and Protective Security Officers in situations where mental health treatment is not a financially viable.
St John of God Langmore Centre
Our collaboration with St John of God Langmore Centre funds positions and beds for tailored mental health programs provided by their mental health unit dedicated to emergency services. PTP funding is given to those without private health insurance, or WorkCover to bridge the gap to those who need it most.
Assistance Dogs Australia.
Our partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia provides specially trained Assistance Dogs to support retired or ex Victoria Police Officers and protective Security Officers living with PTSI. These remarkable dogs help restore independence, ease anxiety and bring a renewed sense of safety to everyday life.
Purposeful Placement Program
The Purposeful Placement Program was launched at the VPC on 23rd May 2025 which is an initiative to provide companion support to Police Veterans who have retired from the force after being diagnosed with PTSI. Protecting the Protectors and the Victoria Police Dog Squad, work together to provide the placement of dogs that do not necessarily meet the strict operational criteria who will now be a companion to our Police Veterans who need support. This is a great outcome with the recipient receiving a obedience trained companion.
Our purpose is to provide functional support to retired and current serving Victoria Police members in situations where mental health treatment is not a financially viable.
Additional Support Services.
Dedicated to helping those who protect us.
Approximately 32% of Victoria Police employees have experienced a diagnosed mental health condition and approximately 90% have experienced burnout from their work to some degree.
We also know that, when it comes to seeking help for mental health and wellbeing issues, 61% of employees prefer managing their problems themselves rather than seeking help from a health professional.
Because of this, Bluespace was created for current and former employees, and their family and friends, helping them to access information about mental health and wellbeing issues, and services that may be of further assistance.
24/7 Confidential Counselling.
The Police Association Support: Welfare, Critical Incident Response and Personal Crises.
Crisis Line
Free 24/7 Confidential Counselling for TPAV Members, Spouse, Partner and Dependent Children
Confidential Counselling for Employees and Immediate Family Members.
Police Wellbeing Services (Welfare, Psychology, Peer Support, Chaplaincy, Internal Witness Support) — support, information and free confidential counselling for employees and their immediate family members. 24/7 support for urgent matters, including critical incident response and personal crises.
24/7 Support Line — Critical Incident Response & Personal Crises
Reporting, Support & More.
Lifeline
Suicide Call Back Service
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
Health Direct
beyondblue Support Service
Why Do We Do This?
Protecting the Protectors exists to ensure that Victoria Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, and Police Veterans receive the mental health support they deserve. We raise vital funds to provide access to specialised treatment and assistance dogs, breaking down barriers for those without coverage or financial means.
By supporting our officers and their families, we honour their service, confront the impacts of PTSI, and work to prevent lives lost to untreated trauma. Together, we stand committed to safeguarding the well-being of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours.
Our Supporting Partners.
We proudly work alongside organisations committed to improving mental health outcomes and supporting emergency service workers, veterans and their families.
