Survey to shape Victoria's response to family violence

Monash University is urging professionals across the state to help shape the way Victoria responds to family violence. The University was commissioned by the Victorian Government to review the state's Family Violence Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework, also known as the common risk assessment framework (CRAF).

Professor Jude McCulloch, who leads the research team, said it was important to understand how the CRAF was being used and its strengths and weaknesses.

Professionals who respond to family violence now have an opportunity to have their say in an online survey. They can also register to participate in focus groups across the state and attend a community forum.

This includes workers in child protection, corrections, community health, disability, drug and alcohol, housing, Indigenous, maternal child health, mental health, sexual assault and specialist family violence services.

Doctors, hospital and emergency staff, court staff, teachers, early childhood educators and police are also encouraged to participate.

"It's crucial that we hear from as wide a variety of people as possible as we take on this important work of reviewing Victoria's family violence framework," Professor McCulloch said.

Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, said the review responded to the first recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which calls for a best-practice framework that meets the needs of all in our diverse community.

"The Victorian Government has committed to an ambitious Roadmap for Reform as we work with communities to intervene early to prevent the damage caused by child neglect, abuse and family violence," Ms Mikakos said.

"I urge individuals to share their knowledge and help us equip our front-line staff to better assess and manage risk to victims of family violence."

The CRAF was launched in 2007 and, at the time, was the first state-wide risk assessment and management framework in Australia.