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Good Practice Principles in Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Given the high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence and its complexity, it is critical that services working with victims/survivors of violence are appropriately equipped to support them.

 

The purpose of this brochure is to synthesise the unique and effective practice model derived from specialist women’s services to inform policy direction and practices of generalist services who also work with victims/survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. We use the language of ‘specialist women’s services’ to draw on their practice model and to outline required expertise however we also recognise the role community-led and –controlled organisations play in prevention and responses. Applying these principles will result in safe, just and effective outcomes for victims/survivors regardless of their backgrounds.

 

There are eight Good Practice Principles outlined in this document:

  1. Principle 1: A human rights-based approach
  2. Principle 2: An intersectional and equitable feminist approach
  3. Principle 3: A victim/survivor centred practice and empowerment approach
  4. Principle 4: Safety and risk focus
  5. Principle 5: Trauma-informed practice
  6. Principle 6: Perpetrator accountability
  7. Principle 7: Confidentiality, organisational accountability and service responsiveness
  8. Principle 8: Interagency collaboration

Download the full brochure:  

 

To promote the brochure, download and use this poster or this social media tile.

 

You can watch our webinar,  The unique role of specialist women’s services in ending sexual and gender-based violence, in which the brochure was launched here. A transcript of the webinar is available here.  

 

Technology-facilitated abuse legal guides

WESNET, Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria and the Women’s Legal Service NSW have prepared legal guides on laws relevant to people experiencing technology-facilitated abuse and stalking.

For more information on laws in each State or Territory, click here.

Employer Guide to Family and Domestic Violence

The Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman has produced an Employer Guide to Family and Domestic Violence. Knowledge, awareness and planning can help employers support their employees, meet their workplace obligations and protect their workplaces.

The guide outlines:-

  • the role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and how they can help
  • a checklist for managing family and domestic violence issues in the workplace
  • what family and domestic violence is and how it affects workplaces
  • employers’ legal obligations
  • a suggested approach to supporting employees and developing a workplace response to family and domestic violence
  • support and referral services

Access the guide here.

Guidelines for reporting on violence against women

Evidence-based reporting can help audiences understand the complex issue of violence against women. The way the media reports on the issue can influence policy outcomes, inform victims/survivors’ decisions about seeking support and sharing their experiences, and affect how users of violence understand their choice to use violence and whether they take steps towards positive change.

 

In order to encourage appropriate and best-practice media reporting on violence against women, Our Watch has developed media guidelines for doing so. These resources can be found here.

Addressing Financial Abuse Booklet

The Commonwealth Bank and Domestic Violence NSW have launched Addressing Financial Abuse, a booklet for domestic and family violence support workers to help affected people establish financial independence as a key step in leaving abusive relationships.

 

The booklet provides guidance on the simple steps that can be taken to promote financial independence , such as opening up a new personal bank account; financial safety planning; freezing joint accounts and changing account passwords. (Source)

 

Access the resource relevant to your state or territory here: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA

Early Intervention Family Law project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (Marrin Weejali)

The Women’s Legal Services NSW has developed an Early Intervention Family Law Project to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care in Australia. Women’s Legal Services NSW’s work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities is guided by an Aboriginal Women’s Consultation Network and is focused on  encouraging women to get free legal advice at an early stage before a crisis happens.

 

Download our case study on Women’s Legal Services NSW’s Early Intervention Family Law project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (Marrin Weejali) Project.

Ask LOIS: Free legal training, resources, information and advice for community workers across NSW

Women’s Legal Services New South Wales developed the Ask LOIS (Legal Online Information Service) website in September 2012 to the challenges involved in being a community legal service with limited resources that services a large state-wide region. The website (www.asklois.org.au) provides easy access to information and resources for community workers who are assisting women experiencing and escaping violence.

 

Download our case study: Ask LOIS Free legal training, resources, information and advice for community workers across NSW for more information about this service.

Working with News and Social Media to Prevent Violence against Women and their Children: A Strategic Framework for Victoria

Domestic Violence Victoria have developed a strategic framework for stakeholders in Victoria to work with the media in the area of primary prevention of violence against women and their children.

 

The report identifies the influence that the media has on community values and attitudes and the key role that the media can play in achieving social change relating to violence against women.

 

Read the Working with News and Social Media Quick Reference Guide. Word Document version available here

 

Read the full Working with News and Social Media A Strategic Framework for Victoria. Word Document version available here

More Than Just a Ramp: A Guide for Women’s Refuges to Develop Disability Discrimination Act Action Plans

Women with Disabilities Australia have developed a guide for women’s refuges to ensure they are complying with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act by developing Action Plans that identify barriers that may result in discrimination against women and children with disabilities who need to access a refuge. The Action Plan recommends strategies to eliminate these barriers.

 

Read the full guide More Than Just A Ramp

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