Implemented
Who is leading the change
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Faith leaders and communities establish processes for examining the ways in which they currently respond to family violence in their communities and whether any of their practices operate as deterrents to the prevention or reporting of, or recovery from, family violence or are used by perpetrators to excuse or condone abusive behaviour.
The Victorian Government is supporting faith leaders and communities to examine how they respond to family violence and to strengthen their capacity to prevent and respond to family violence. The development of an evidence base of what works best to assist faith leaders and communities will inform a training program for faith leaders and communities.
This work is connected to the implementation of Royal Commission Recommendation 163.
In 2017, the LGBTIQ+ Family Violence Working Group was formally established under the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce, co-chaired by the Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality and Family Safety Victoria (FSV). The Working Group provided advice to government and the LGBTIQ+ Taskforce in relation to the implementation of the government’s family violence reform agenda as it relates to LGBTIQ+ communities.
Initial research on experiences, prevalence and the nature of family violence in LGBTIQ+ communities has been conducted and published, including through Private Lives 3: The Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia and the Victorian Population Health Survey. This exploratory research will inform program design and future investment in research.
The LGBTIQ+ Family Violence Working Group identified priority areas for research, and proposals are being sought under the whole-of-government family violence research agenda. An initial Request for Tender for targeted research has been released by FSV.
A number of initiatives have been developed in relation to the prevention of family violence against people from LGBTIQ+ communities, including a comprehensive literature review and recommendations by Our Watch (launched May 2018); the WeDeserve action research project for trans and gender diverse people experiencing family violence; and a social marketing campaign on family violence for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
In addition, the Office for Prevention of Family Violence and Coordination in Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Fairer Victoria is currently supporting a new LGBTIQ+ family violence primary prevention pilot program (2019-2021) that will strengthen our understanding of family violence against people from LGBTIQ+ communities.
Revision of the men’s behaviour change standards and practice guidance is underway, and a new Code of Practice for specialist family violence services has been developed by Domestic Violence Victoria that incorporates inclusive practice principles.
FSV is working with the Department of Health to ensure alignment between family violence and health and wellbeing initiatives.
Implemented.
Updated