Determine whether family violence and sexual assault services should be unified

Our response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence will support greater collaboration and better coordination between family violence and sexual assault services across a number of areas of reform. Key areas of focus include:

• reform of the information sharing regime, with Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASAs) as prescribed organisations under legislation
• redevelopment of the Family Violence Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Risk Management (MARAM) Framework, considering the interrelated roles and responsibilities of CASAs
• development of the specialist family violence service model which will provide guidance about collaborative practice including with sexual assault services
• establishment of , with opportunities to build greater understanding about family violence related sexual assault in risk and needs assessment, management and planning

Specialist family violence and sexual assault services are also being encouraged to build on the learning and evidence from innovative partnerships already in place.

Slot gameA range of reforms are contributing to the implementation of this recommendation, including:

• the changes to the information sharing regime
• the implementation of the redeveloped MARAM Framework
• the development of the specialist family violence service model

Slot gameCommencing in April 2019, Family Safety Victoria provided resourcing to both Domestic Violence Victoria and CASA Forum to support the integration of the Family Violence Information Sharing and Child Information Sharing schemes and to incorporate the MARAM framework into sexual assault practice. These resources are strengthening the capacity of both sectors by embedding the four pillars of the MARAM framework into all policies, procedures and standards of practice. A one-day workshop about embedding MARAM has been co-hosted by No To Violence, Domestic Violence Victoria and CASA Forum.

Sexual assault services, including CASAs located in multi-disciplinary centres (MDCs), are working to determine how these services interact with The Orange Door. This work is focused on ensuring victim survivors of sexual assault have access to support based on their needs and choices.

Slot gameTo respond to this recommendation, CASA Forum and Domestic Violence Victoria are currently undertaking a project to consider the interface between family violence and sexual assault sectors. This project is being supported by a Technical Advisory Group comprised of representatives from both sectors and focuses on opportunities for shared case work, secondary consultation and learning and development between the two sectors. As part of this project, consideration will also be given to the question about alignment between the sectors. The project report will be provided by December 2020.

Slot gameForecast implementation date: 30 June 2022.