The Darebin Family Violence Working Group: a partnership approach

Abstract

In 2002, the City of Darebin initiated a partnership involving individuals and organisations that provide services to people in Darebin experiencing family violence. This coincided with the establishment of a Family Violence Coordination Unit for the Darebin Police. Subsequently, the Darebin Family Violence Working Group developed and strengthened the relationship between its members, resulting in improved communication, increased and better informed referrals, and a greater understanding of members? professional roles and limitations. Traditionally, local governments have not considered it their role to address family violence at the policy level, or to improve the local service system for individuals and families experiencing family violence. By taking leadership, and establishing, supporting, and facilitating the Darebin Family Violence Working Group, the City of Darebin has demonstrated that local government can play an important role in this area and achieve positive outcomes for its community. This paper describes the partnership of local services and organisations that came together in the Darebin Family Violence Working Group, the resulting changes to the service system, and the factors that have contributed to the success of the partnership.