Jolene Ellat

As Founder and CEO of the DART Institute, Jolene Ellat is a recognised specialist in coercive control and family and domestic violence, committed to strengthening systems responses, informing policy, building workforce capability, and driving meaningful social change.

With almost two decades of experience in the field, Jolene has worked extensively alongside victim-survivors, people using violence, legal professionals, policymakers, police, and frontline services to address the complex dynamics of abuse. Her expertise centres on coercive control, perpetrator accountability, systems abuse, stalking and harassment, and the pathways that escalate to serious harm and homicide.

Through DART Institute, Jolene leads a national organisation focused on building the capacity and capability of the family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) sector and allied workforces. The organisation’s work is grounded in the belief that every practitioner, across every service system, has a critical role in recognising, responding to, and preventing coercive control and family violence.

Jolene combines evidence-informed practice, trauma-informed approaches, legal and policy expertise, and deep sector knowledge to support organisations and professionals in responding effectively to family violence. Her work includes specialist training, consultation, program development, systems review, and strategic advisory services across sectors including policing, justice, health, education, child protection, corporate settings, and community services.

A respected contributor to research, workforce development, and thought leadership, Jolene is passionate about strengthening perpetrator accountability and improving systemic responses to family violence. She is committed to influencing policy, advancing public understanding, and supporting reforms that recognise coercive control as a serious and distinct pattern of abuse requiring early intervention and coordinated responses.