Dr Jana Katerinskaja

Advocate for preventing police perpetrated family violence

2025 VIC Local Hero Nominee

Dr Jana Katerinskaja is fearless and relentless in holding police forces to account for police perpetrated family violence. 

In 2020, Jana founded a peer-support and advocacy group for people like herself who’ve suffered family violence at the hands of serving Victoria Police officers. Her grass roots survivor-led advocacy is voluntary and self-funded. She’s supported countless victims through some of the darkest chapters of their lives with unwavering support.  

Jana’s activism helped drive Victoria Police to create a police perpetrated family violence policy and investigation unit within Victoria Police Professional Standards Command.  

Furthermore, Jana’s advocacy saw police perpetrated family violence announced as a strategic area of priority focus by Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.  

At significant and unseen personal cost, Jana’s fierce advocacy has resulted in material and meaningful amendments to the Victoria Police Act 2013 and independent police oversight practices. Jana’s courageous and far-reaching efforts have no doubt spared others from abuse.