1 September 2024
This submission outlines key recommendations for a more integrated and coordinated approach to family, domestic, and sexual violence (FDSV). We emphasise a whole-of-systems approach, advocating for place-based solutions, people-focused service access, and better integration of FDSV programs with financial wellbeing and family services.
Additionally, we highlight the need to recognize and address financial abuse and consider the impact of climate change and disasters on vulnerable communities.
Drawing from Good Shepherd Victoria’s experience, we provide insights across prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery. We recommend multi-agency and multi-cohort strategies to improve prevention, along with better understanding of perpetrators. In early intervention, we emphasise engaging children and young people—both as victim-survivors and those who use violence—and leveraging South Australian linked datasets for a more comprehensive understanding of FDSV. For response, we analyse Victoria’s FDV reforms, including The Orange Door network, MARAM, Information Sharing Schemes, refuges, and risk assessment models.
Finally, we explore recovery and healing, outlining the enabling conditions and programs necessary for person-centred responses. We highlight the Peer Support Program and FIH as examples of effective recovery models.
