Building Community Capacity in responding to Domestic Violence

Details
Category: Domestic Violence
Created: Sunday, 28 February 2016 09:02
Written by Joanna Scriven

Alecomm is currently undertaking a research project.  Our goal is to attain a greater understanding of the rights of domestic violence victims when approaching services for assistance, and to clarify the processes by which victims and their families are assisted in escaping and liberating themselves from the violence cycle.

In particular, we would be grateful if you could clarify the following matters; and if there is relevant legislation in place:

  • What are the State regulations FACS/DOCS are bound by when responding to Domestic Violence.
  • On what grounds in such a situation is it deemed necessary to remove children from the victim parent. 
  • What service's, if any is the Department obligated to provide to victim parent.
  • Are there resources routinely distributed to victims seeking assistance and advice.
  • Are service's obligated to provide education and resources.
  • Is PTSD a recognized reason as to why some victims have difficulty leaving the offender.
  • How is PTSD responded to and how is it managed.
  • Is education about its debilitating effects and the treatment of it readily available.
  • What processes are in place to determine what needs the victim has.
  • What determines the mode of service provision a service such as FACS provides.
  • What is the governments view on community support networks and the role they play in supporting victims of domestic violence.
  • Do service's seek advice from the community and other service providers to ensure the victim and their family are best supported.
  • Do FACS seek advice and insight from support networks before removing children ?  In such a situation what credibility do people such as school teachers and mayors have.  Should their insight be credited?
  • Do victims of domestic violence have a recognized rights charter.
  • What are the rights of the children to interact with and know their families whilst in care.
  • Are case workers allowed to close cases and make decisions without a court order.
  • What obligations must case workers abide by.

We hope to demonstrate the governments commitment and capacity in not only dealing with domestic violence, but in building community capacity also, as Domestic Violence is a well recognised and ongoing problem in many communities.

It is our hope that you will contribute towards this research, so together we can not only understand the governments willingness to assist victims, but work towards creating strong community development programs that effectively manage domestic violence in all its forms.