[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.
[On-screen text (title): Victim Survivor Risk management including safety planning at comprehensive level]
AMANDA:
So Lara, I've mentioned that I'm really concerned about Andrew's behaviour and we've talked about how serious the risk is. And really, I think that's very consistent with what you’re worried about.
[On-screen text: Evidence-based risk factors identified:
unemployment, escalation, emotional abuse, controlling behaviours, financial abuse, physical assault during pregnancy, physical harm, isolation, child exposure to family violence]
LARA:
It's awful. I was worried no one would believe me.
AMANDA:
I believe you. You mentioned to me earlier you were worried to move. Is that what you're thinking about?
LARA:
I've just had enough. I can't keep going like this. But with Robbie only a few months away from finishing school, I don't know how we could move and where would Robbie go to school? It's a tiny town. He'd find us unless we moved away completely. I won't do it.
AMANDA:
You've got a lot going on, and I can see how that might be hard for Robbie. If I understand correctly though, you don't want to stay with Andrew anymore. But you don't know how you'd leave the home.
[On-screen text: Evidence-based risk factor identified: Planning to leave or recent separation]
LARA:
Yeah, pretty much. I got an intervention order once years ago and stayed with Mum, but I had no money and I couldn't get a rental. Mum was living in this tiny two-bedroom unit an hour away from Robbie's school. In the end, it was easier to go back home.
AMANDA:
You’ve tried really hard and I'm sorry the support wasn't there to make it work. Did you feel the intervention order helped?
LARA:
I mean, he's terrified of his reputation being ruined. He didn't try and contact us or anything. So, yeah, it worked for that.
[On-screen text: Consider advocating for an intervention order]
AMANDA:
Okay.
LARA:
It was just all the other stuff around it that, you know, made it so difficult. No, no home, no money, driving all the time. Just all the constant stress, and guilt.
AMANDA:
Okay, I see. It is possible to get an intervention order where Andrew would need to leave, and you and Robbie can remain in the home.
[On-screen text: Address barriers to the victim survivor implementing safety planning]
AMANDA:
And we'd look at making it safer for you to be there. And we'd discuss all your options first, and we'd put a lot of planning around it. What do you think?
LARA:
So he'd have to leave?
AMANDA:
Exactly.
LARA:
Maybe, I have to think about it first. You know, I'd have to come up with rent. How would that even happen?
AMANDA:
That's just something that you and I would plan very carefully together, and we'd look at getting funding to help with all the things around it. Like you said, we can talk about it now if you like.
[On-screen text: Careful risk management is required if a victim survivor has or is intending to leave]
LARA:
Yeah, I'd like to know more first.
AMANDA:
Okay.
[Fade to black]
[Fade from black]
AMANDA:
So, we've started to make a plan for the intervention order and we can keep working on that next time we meet.
LARA:
It's a lot to think about and I'm scared he's going to keep getting worse.
AMANDA:
I can understand that, which is why we need a really good safety plan in the meantime. You started one before when you saw my colleague, Amy.
LARA:
I just made some notes on the phone. I'm not good on email and um reception's patchy anyway. I know Amy was worried that Andrew might check my phone, but he doesn't. He's not great on technology. Half the time, we have to be on the landline anyway.
[On-screen text: Check it is safe for the victim survivor to take information with them]
AMANDA:
Well, that's really good thinking and um, really good to know about the reception too. I think we might need to safety plan more given where you live.
[On-screen text: Safety planning must include additional considerations, and be tailored to circumstances]
AMANDA:
You mentioned that you've called the police in the past. How did you manage that?
LARA:
I can't really call them. Well, I mean, I have - there’s usually enough reception or I can find some but, everything just takes so much longer to happen here. And we're not far from a police station, but... It's a long way.
AMANDA:
In country areas, it can be difficult. How did you manage then?
[On-screen text: Explore and build on what the victim survivor is already doing]
LARA:
A couple of times Robbie and I just got into the car and drove to the police station.
AMANDA:
You are already doing so much to keep the both of you safe. Do you always have access to the car? Has he ever tried to take that away from you?
[On-screen text: Exploring access to transport is an important part of safety planning]
LARA:
We’ve got two. I have my own. He’s never tried to take my keys or anything.
AMANDA:
Have you been able to chat to Robbie about what to do if the two of you need to leave in a hurry?
[On-screen text: Safety plan for children and young people too]
LARA:
A bit. He knows some stuff and you know we've had to do it before. It's just hard when you don't connect. You know?
AMANDA:
Mm.
[On-screen text: For further information on comprehensive risk management for victim survivors, please view Responsibility 8 of the MARAM Victim Survivor Practice Guides at vic.gov.au/maram-victim-survivor-practice-guides]
[Logo: Family Safety Victoria]
[Logo: Victoria State Government]
Updated