Responding to family violence during COVID-19 pandemic: policy and practice challenges Leila Rahimi Victoria University
After the outbreak of COVID-19, Australia along with many other countries undertook a stay at home strategy which soon transformed to strict lockdowns and movement restrictions. This strategy has been successful in reducing the risk of the virus spread within the community; however, it has brought about a greater risk of family violence and an increase in the specialist and non-specialist service demand. As required by the government, from March 2019, many services and organisations transitioned to working remotely and adapted their service delivery to the new requirements. The government’s approach required service providers to limit face to face case management and outreach services and to replace online forms of service delivery. This alongside the heightened risk of family violence significantly affected policy, service models and practice in this area. Governmental agencies and peak bodies engaged in a collaborative work to respond to change by making new policies, revisions in service models and guidelines, and updating practice guidelines to provide a compass to navigate through the system and respond to complex needs. The targeted work prioritised the revision of the practice guide also known as “Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM)” by the inclusion of the new MARAM Note. The victim survivor Practice Note highlights 3 steps including reviewing risk assessment for existing service users utilising guidance in the Practice Note, updating all existing risk management and safety plans, and planning ahead for appropriate methods of communication during physical isolation and physical distancing. In addition, the Practice Note provides guidance on violence prevention planning with a focus on risk and identified needs such as crisis accommodation, parenting arrangements, financial security, alcohol or drugs use, legal issues and mental health.
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