[On-screen text:
This video was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners.
We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present and Aboriginal Elders of other communities viewing this video.]
[Introductory music]
[On-screen text: Non-collusive practice]
V/O: Non-collusive practice.
V/O: Collusion is when individuals, organisations or the service system act in ways that reinforce, support, excuse or minimise a person’s use of family violence and its impacts.
[On-screen text: Collusion
reinforce, support, excuse, minimise]
V/O: Collusion can be verbal such as agreeing with violence supporting narratives or non-verbal such as smiling or nodding in a way that seems encouraging to the behaviours.
[Speech bubble: I lashed out]
[Speech bubble: We’ve all lashed out at times of stress]
V/O: By acting in a way that seems supportive of the perpetrator narrative you could unconsciously reinforce their behaviours.
V/O: Non collusive practice means engaging with the person using family violence in a non-judgemental, respectful way whilst at the same time being careful not to reinforce any comments they make which avoid taking responsibility for their choice to use violence.
[On-screen text: Non collusive practice
Non-judgemental, respectful]
[Speech bubble: OK, help me understand…]
V/O: It does not mean being argumentative or trying to catch the person out – this can become what is known as ‘oppositional collusion’ as the person using violence sees you as part of the system and reinforces the beliefs that they are right.
[On-screen text: Oppositional collusion]
V/O: MARAM recommends a “Balanced Approach”.
This means using your professional curiosity to invite the person using family violence to consider the impact of their behaviours on others and explore their narratives.
[Speech bubble: I just raised my voice, all couples do that, it’s normal]
[Speech bubble: Help me understand how close to your partner were you standing when you were raising your voice?]
V/O: This helps maintain engagement to support taking responsibility.
V/O: But it does not require you to over-empathise with the person using violence or challenge them.
[Speech bubble: If you could go back now when you aren’t feeling angry, what could you do differently?]
V/O: Remember – you should not engage with a person using family violence directly about their use of violence unless you have been trained to do so and your role requires it.
Doing so could increase the risk to the victim survivor.
V/O: For further information on working with adults using family violence, please visit the MARAM resources webpage.
[On-screen text: For further information
www.vic.gov.au/maram-practice-guides-professionals-working-adults-using…]
[Logo: Family Safety Victoria]
[Logo: Victoria State Government]
[Music fades]
Updated