I am proud to present the annual report on the implementation of the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM) 2021–22.
This report outlines the key activities and achievements of Victorian Government departments, sector peak bodies and prescribed organisations to align their policies, procedures, practice guidance and tools to MARAM.
MARAM is a critical part of Victoria’s family violence reform, enabling workforces across a range of sectors to identify and respond to family violence more effectively.
Ending family violence remains a government priority. The Victorian Government has invested more than $3.7 billion since the Royal Commission into Family Violence to prevent and respond to family violence. This includes $97 million of investment in the Victorian State Budget 2021–22 to support changes to keep people safer, including implementing MARAM, alongside critical information-sharing reforms.
The effective rollout of MARAM and information sharing requires training for over 370,000 workers across a range of workforces. Since the commencement of the reforms in 2018, I am pleased to highlight that:
- more than 107,000 professionals have undertaken training in MARAM and the related information-sharing schemes
- more than 82,000 risk assessments and safety plans have been undertaken (using MARAM online tools)
- more than 15,000 Central Information Point reports have been delivered.
In this fourth annual report into the operation of the MARAM Framework, it is clear that confidence in undertaking risk assessments and information
sharing under MARAM continues to grow, as we build a system that keeps people safer.
I would like to thank all former and current ministers with framework organisations withintheir portfolios for the continued work undertaken
to implement this critical reform. This report is consolidated from my own portfolio report and those provided to me by:
- the Hon. Melissa Horne MP, (former) Minister forConsumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
- the Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, Attorney-General
- the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, Minister for Health, (former) Minister for Ambulance Services
- the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
- the Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Mental Health
- the Hon. Anthony Carbines MP, Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention
- the Hon. Ingrid Stitt MP, Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep
- the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Education
- the Hon. Danny Pearson MP, (former) Minister for Housing
- the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, (former) Minister for Corrections, (former) Minister for Youth Justice, (former) Minister for Victim Support.
I would also like to acknowledge the work across government, the sector and community services for their continued dedication to improving our response to family violence. This includes Family Violence Regional Integration Committees, peak bodies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence resource centre, and many other organisations and services who are ensuring MARAM practice is a reality.
I particularly wish to acknowledge the work of Specialist Family Violence Services (including sexual assault services) and The Orange Door Network who are crucial partners in our efforts to effectively respond to family violence.
I would also like to thank all those with lived experience, in particular, past and present members of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council,
for their ongoing contribution and influence in the delivery of MARAM practice guidance.
Finally, as we progress these important reforms, I acknowledge all those across government and the services sector who have contributed to this report, and those who dedicate their time, passion and effort to improving the safety of all Victorians.
The Hon. Ros Spence MP
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
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