Improving Victoria’s Family Violence Risk Response
The Andrews Labor Government is examining the Common Risk Assessment Framework to ensure those experiencing family violence are supported consistently across the State.
The CRAF is used by professionals working in a wide range of fields to apply a common approach to identifying and assessing risk factors associated with family violence and undertaking safety planning to reduce those risks.
A key part of Victoria’s family violence system, the CRAF helps ensure consistency in how service providers work together to improve the safety of people who experience family violence.
Since the CRAF was first introduced in 2007, there has been growing knowledge of and research into family violence professional practice, both nationally and internationally.
A CRAF review was also a key recommendation of the Coronial Inquiry into the death of Luke Batty.
The review will consider:
- how the Framework has been used and by whom
- the extent to which it is embedded into organisational practice
- the Framework’s perceived effectiveness across groups including organisations working with children and young people and diverse communities such as the Aboriginal community
Recommendations of the Royal Commission, due to report on 29 March 2016, will also inform the review and the future of the CRAF.
In its first budget the Labor Government announced an $81.3 million package to boost family violence services, including the establishment of Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Submissions to the request for tender will be accepted until 25 February 2015. www.tenders.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“There are many different services that play a role in supporting those experiencing family violence – it is important we are using the most effective and consistent method of assessing and responding to risk.”
“This review will help us build the best possible system to support Victorian families by providing us with the facts and evidence-based best practices from around the world.”
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