I am pleased to present the sixth annual report on the implementation of the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework 2023–24 (MARAM).
This report sets out our progress towards MARAM alignment. It shows the work of departments, agencies, peak bodies and organisations to align their policies and procedures with the MARAM Framework.
MARAM is a critical part of Victoria’s family violence reforms. It enables workforces across sectors to identify and respond to family violence.
MARAM risk assessment and management alone cannot eliminate family violence. However, it can help practitioners to support victim survivors to reduce their risk of harm, serious injury and death.
Highlights for 2023–24 include the following:
- We completed the MARAM 5-year Legislative and Evidence reviews in August 2023 and December 2023 respectively. This will ensure MARAM can continue to meet its objectives.
- We launched training for professionals who work with adults using family violence in November 2023. No to Violence and Safe and Equal deliver this training.
- Professionals across the service system completed more than 89,000 MARAM and MARAM-aligned training sessions.
- Practitioners completed 134,000 risk assessments and safety plans using MARAM online tools.
- The Central Information Point delivered more than 8,000 reports (including 2,097 of the new Brief Reports).
- The information sharing teams managed more than 88,000 information sharing requests.
Our workforces continue to grow in confidence in undertaking risk assessments, risk management and information sharing under MARAM. This is having positive impacts for victim survivor safety.
I thank all ministers who have framework organisations in their portfolios. You have created sustained efforts to advance this essential reform.
This report comprises my own portfolio report and those provided to me by:
- the Hon. Anthony Carbines MP, Minister for Police, Minister for Community Safety, Minister for Victims
- the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education
- the Hon. Enver Erdogan MLC, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice
- Harriet Shing MLC, Minister for Housing and Building
- Ingrid Stitt MLC, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs
- the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MLC, Minister for Children, Minister for Disability
- the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services
- the Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Consumer Affairs
- the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Attorney General.
Appendix 5 sets out a complete list of portfolios.
I also acknowledge the people who work across government, the family violence sector and community services. Your continued dedication is improving our response to family violence.
I particularly thank those who work in specialist family violence services, sexual assault services, and The Orange Door network. You are crucial partners in our efforts to respond to family violence. Your work is central to managing risk and creating safer communities.
Thank you to the victim survivors who have shaped the MARAM reforms. We are grateful for your stories and insights. You have helped us embed lived experience within the MARAM Framework.
Thank you to everyone who plays a role in our family violence prevention workforce. Your work keeps Victorians safe.
Natalie Hutchins MP
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
Minister for Women
Minister for Government Services
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples
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