[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): Person Using Violence Risk management including safety planning at intermediate level]
LIAM:
Hi, I'm a counsellor at the Inner North Health Service. I'd like a secondary consultation for a client that I'm supporting around gambling who's using family violence. He hasn't shown much acknowledgment that he's using family violence and won't be referred to anyone. Can you help me with what strategies I may use to help keep his ex-partner safe?
[On-screen text: Seeking a secondary consultation with a specialist family violence service]
[Fade to black]
[Fade from black. Liam is talking to Dan.]
LIAM:
Dan, I appreciate you being upfront in this conversation, about how gambling has been impacting you over the past couple of weeks. I'm hoping some of the strategies we revisited will support the goals you’ve spoken about.
DAN:
Yeah, I hope so. When the gambling gets worse, it feels like everything else spirals.
LIAM:
We spoke last time about contact with the kids. How’s this been going?
[On-screen text: Risk assessment practice is ongoing – you should monitor for observed narratives and evidence-based risk factors in all engagements]
DAN:
The last drop off was quick. Chris won't talk to me after we had an argument last time. I have to move because of the rent cost. But a friend has a place in the same suburb as the kids. Hopefully, it'll be easier to see them more, not having to stick to all the times so much.
[On-screen text: Observed narratives – beliefs or attitudes: displays entitlement in relation to children and rights to access and/or custody]
LIAM:
What does Chris think about you moving closer and not sticking to the times agreed for contact?
DAN:
Chris doesn't know. It's none of her business. She can't stop me seeing my kids. Apparently, she's seeing someone but didn't think I have a right to know who my kids are around. I'm not stalking her or anything. People just tell me.
[On-screen text: Observed narratives – beliefs or attitudes: comments negatively on victim survivor’s decisions and actions]
LIAM:
And this information came through a friend? What are your feelings around it?
[On-screen text: Evidence-based risk factors identified: stalking of victim (direct or indirect)]
[Dan shrugs]
LIAM:
We've spoken about strategies to help manage gambling, and for lots of people, gambling isn't the only thing they are wanting to put strategies around.
[On-screen text: Using professional curiosity to manage risk of disengagement]
LIAM:
Would you be up for talking about a plan for managing any stress you may feel around contact with the kids and what is happening with Chris?
[Dan nods]
[On-screen text: Conversation prompts support safety planning with a person using violence]
LIAM:
You mentioned to me before that you feel yourself getting worked up in the car when getting the kids. There is shouting at the handovers, and um Chris blocks your calls.
[Dan nods]
LAIM:
Talk me through what you're thinking and feeling going to the handovers.
[On-screen text: Discuss alternative actions and behaviours that reduce risk, and strategies to manage behaviour]
DAN:
I'm thinking about the kids. How I'm paying for all their stuff, but hardly seeing them. How Chris has a new bloke around them. It's not fair and I get wound up.
LIAM:
Have there been times when you had these feelings and thoughts? Did you manage to not get worked up?
DAN:
Yeah, once.
LIAM:
Can you tell me what happened then?
[On-screen text: Encourage self-identification of behaviour management strategies, identify strengths and any protective factors]
DAN:
I had Rachel, my sister, chatting to on hands-free while I was driving to get the kids. She can be pretty straight with me. She knows all about the gambling. She just sets me straight and tells me to keep my mind on being a good dad.
LIAM:
It's important to have someone you can talk to about what's happening. Would Rachel be someone you can reach out to
when you notice that you're getting angry or have thoughts about unfairness popping up on your way to seeing the kids?
DAN:
Yeah, I guess I could do that. Just build it into a routine for when I'm on my way there.
LIAM:
Can you speak with Rachel about this being part of your plan to manage your behaviour so that she knows she's part of your plan?
[On-screen text: Checking appropriateness of identified support people]
DAN:
Yeah, I can speak with her first. If it doesn't work out, I’ll think about other ideas.
LIAM:
We can also talk about some strategies for managing at the time when you really become worked up, if you like. I can also offer you some suggestions about services you can talk to at the time of crisis and emergency.
[On-screen text: Identifying when and how to reach out in times of an emergency and crisis]
[Fade to black]
[Fade from black]
LIAM:
Now, this card has some phone numbers on it that we give to everyone. This here is the crisis housing number I've been speaking about, and here is the number for the service that works with men who are in similar situations to you, where they're trying to work out ways to manage their own behaviour so that their family members are safe.
[On-screen text: Normalise the discussions of safety and seeking help from services]
[Fade to black]
[Fade from black]
LIAM (on telephone):
Hi. I'd like to proactively share some information about a client identified as a person using family violence. I have information that his ex-partner had previous contact for the specialist family violence support. So I believe you should have the details.
[On-screen text: Proactively share information under the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS). Consent is not required when working with a person using violence]
LIAM (on telephone):
As part of my risk management plan, I'm trying to motivate Dan into accessing a housing service so that we can better coordinate his relocation. At this stage, Dan is still planning to move to Chris's suburb, and Chris is unaware of this.
[On-screen text: Sharing information that helps victim survivor safety planning]
LIAM (on phone):
I'm also very concerned that a friend of Dan's is passing on information from Chris's social media account, including their perception of a new relationship. There's also a couple of other escalating factors around gambling use and financial stress.
[On-screen text: For further information on Intermediate Risk
Management for Adults Using Family Violence
and Intermediate Risk Management Plan
please visit vic.gov.au/maram-practice-guides-professionals-working-adults-using-family-violence/responsibility-4
For further information, please visit the
MARAM resources webpage at vic.gov.au/maram-practice-guides-and-resources]
[Logo: Family Safety Victoria]
[Logo: Victoria State Government]
Updated