TRAINING NEWS

Common Risk Assessment Framework (CRAF)

CRAF training materials, including training handbooks, risk assessment training DVDs, and contacts/ referrals, are now available on the CRAF project website http://www.tafe.swinburne.edu.au/CRAF

People who completed CRAF Train the Trainer can apply for a password via the website to access additional training material.

The Information Sharing in the Context of Family Violence Fact Sheet, developed by the Department of Planning and Community Development in consultation with the Office of the Victorian Privacy Commissioner, is also available on the CRAF website. This fact sheet has been prepared to assist all types of agencies working together as part of the integrated family violence system in making decisions about information sharing in the context of responding to family violence.

DVRC's Training Calendar for 2009

The Domestic Violence Resource Centre's training calendar, sessions and dates for July to December 2009 is available on the training section of the website. Click here to visit it. For registration contact DVRC by phone on (03) 9486 9866, by email at dvrcv@dvrcv.org.au or visit the website to download a registration form.

Victoria Police Training of Police Recruits for Domestic Violence

On the 13 th July 2009 Victoria Police Recruits started a new training package on domestic violence. The new training package has been designed to give the recruits a greater understanding of what the Affected Family Member (AFM) goes through. In particular why the AFM struggles to report the violence or leave the respondent. This is done through testimonials on video and discussion groups. More time is also devoted to why and how to fill out the relevant forms and applications for Intervention Orders.

Previously we had 18 by 65 minute sessions to cover the subject including practical assessments and tactics to use inside the premises. The new package has 36 by 65 sessions. The sessions cover theory, understanding the dynamics of family violence, tactics in resolving issues, extra communication skills sessions and practical training and assessments. The new training shows the commitment Victoria Police is putting in to place to change both the approach to Domestic Violence and support for the victims.

DV SECTOR NEWS

Memorandum of Understanding between Child First, Child Protection, and Family Violence Services

There is eagerness across the state to better understand, facilitate and document a commitment to an integrated best practice response for vulnerable children and young people. Working groups are consulting regionally to develop a localised partnership agreement which may best express and promote collaborative working relationships between Child FIRST/Family Services, Child Protection and Family Violence Services. Through forums, workshops, practitioner development meetings and cross sectoral working groups, relationships are being developed and fostered, and discussion is focusing on:

•  Encouraging and strengthening regional, sub-regional and local cross sectoral links

•  Encouraging and facilitating information sharing and the development of regional communication and governance strategies

•  Sharing principles and frameworks for practice in relation to the best interests of children

•  Building a strong expressive common language and breaking down the barriers created through jargon

•  Exploring opportunities for joint training, professional development and capacity building

•  Understanding client assessment and risk management in an environment of case collaboration

The localised partnership agreements will incorporate a set of core features and focus on the overarching aims built into all levels of practice,

•  Safety, protection and well being of children;

•  Safety and empowerment for victims of family violence (mainly women and children); and

•  Responsibility and accountability of perpetrators of family violence (mainly men).

The establishment of multi service approaches which work together more effectively to meet the needs of vulnerable children and young people feature as key in both the Victorian child and family services sector and the family violence sector legislative and policy reforms.

For more information about what is happening in your local area contact the Family Violence Leadership, DHS family Violence / Family service's PASA or the Child Protection Community Based Unit Manager.

WDVCS Seeking Women for Media Advocacy Training

The Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria has received funding to expand its media advocacy project to include the voices of women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the voices of women with disabilities, who have experienced family violence. The WDVCS is seeking women from a diversity of backgrounds who would be interested in training to be media advocates and to speak out, not only about family violence, but also about the additional barriers women from a diverse cultural background, and women with disabilities, may face when living with or leaving abusive relationships. Both lots of trainings cover key family violence messages; self care; working with the media and public speaking. To register your interest contact Jane Ashton, or leave a message on (03) 9928 9614 or email jane.a@wdvcs.org.au

DVRC PUBLICATIONS

DVRC Quarterly

The latest issue of DVRC's newsletter contains articles on: men who murder their children, how domestic violence affects mothers and children's sleep, why partner rape is invisible and the consequences of reproductive coercion as well as all of the regular features.

To subscribe to the Quarterly, go to: www.dvrcv.org.au/PublicationsHub/PublicationsIndex.htm

Updated Are You Happy Pamphlet Now Available

DVRCV now has an updated version of the Are You Happy fold up card. The listing of services for referral on the back of these cards have been updated. People interested can order up to 10 for free. Please contact dvrcv@dvrcv.org.au for copies or call (03) 9486 9866.

Partners in Prevention Network Meeting: Engaging with the Media to Prevent Violence Against Women

Come along to improve your capacity to engage with mass media and share ideas about key messages. Antony Balmain, Media and Public Advocacy Coordinator at VicHealth will lead us in some activities to hone our media communication skills and develop key messages on preventing violence against women. Jane Ashton will share her experiences from the Women's Domestic Violence Crisis Service's Media Advocacy project. Partners in Prevention (PiP) is a network for professionals working with young people for the primary prevention of violence against women. For information on past network meetings and links to violence prevention projects please visit our website at www.dvrcv.org.au/pip

When: Tuesday 1 September 2009, 1.00-4.00pm. Where: 3rd Floor, Room 1 (Jenny Florence) Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Inquiry into the Impact of Violence on Young Australians

On Thursday 16 June 2009 the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare and Youth and Minister for Sport, The Hon Kate Ellis MP, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on the impact of violence on young Australians. The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday, 23 October 2009. Please refer to the brochure called preparing a submission for more information. In order to facilitate electronic publishing of submissions, the Committee would prefer them to be emailed to fchy.reps@aph.gov.au or sent on disk or CD-ROM to the Committee Secretariat in Microsoft Word ® or Portable Document Format (PDF).

DVRC LIBRARY

Violence Against Women: Contemporary Sociological Perspectives by Douglas A. Brownridge, Routledge 2009.

"Violence Against Women: Vulnerable Populations" investigates under-researched and underserved groups of women who are particularly vulnerable to violent victimisation from an intimate male partner. In the past, there has been an understandable reluctance to address this issue to avoid stereotyping vulnerable groups of women. However, developments in the field, particularly intersectionality theory, which recognises women's diversity in experiences of violence, suggest that the time has come to make the study of violence in vulnerable populations a new sub-field in the area. Chapters include: Violence Against Cohabiting Women: Present Perspective and Future Prospective; Differing Dynamics: Violence Against Women Post-Separation; Violence in 'The Future Traditional Family': Stepfamilies and Violence Against Women; Exploring the Link Between Homeownership Status and Violence Against Women; Violence Against Women in Rural and Urban Settings: Equal Risk Does Not Imply Equal Prevention; Violence Against Aboriginal Women: The Role of Colonization; Violence Against Immigrant Women: A Reversal of Fortune; Violence Against Women with Disabilities: Perpetrator Characteristics are Key.

To borrow this book, please contact DVRCV's library at library@dvrcv.org.au

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Copyright (c) DVRC 2009
292 Wellington Street, Collingwood 3066, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
http://www.dvrcv.org.au/ | Tel: 03 9486 9866 | Fax: 03 9486 9744