Who is this research most relevant to?
- Family therapy and systemic practice clinicians
- Policymakers
- Program developers
- Organisations
- Families
Contact for further information
Overview
This project was carried out in partnership with Family Safety Victoria and was funded by the State Government of Victoria.
A range of programs and services are in place in Victoria’s women’s prisons to identify and support both victim-survivors of family violence (FV) and women who use violence. However, there is significant variability in access and uptake of these services. Given that most women in prison have experienced FV and are at an increased risk of re-experiencing FV upon exit, we sought to understand the barriers to FV-service access and uptake through three complementary enquiries.
Our overall objectives were to:
- identify gaps in FV support for women in Victoria’s prison system
- understand current best practice principles of FV programs for women in criminal justice systems, via a rapid review of the existing published literature
- identify the protective factors that help women stay safe from FV when exiting prison
- identify women’s FV support needs, as identified by women with experience of FV and Victoria’s prison system, via interviews with lived experience advocates
- identify the support needs of staff delivering FV support for women in Victoria’s prison system, via focus groups with workers
Key research highlights
- Multiple factors facilitate engagement in FV support while in prison, such as programs that offer personalised outcomes, are gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and culturally safe
- Meaningful involvement of lived-experience advisors is needed at all levels of program governance, design, and delivery
- Staff need better support, including opportunities for collaboration, more stable employment contracts, training, and communities of practice
From Research to Action: Improving Family Violence Support for Women in Victoria’s Criminal Justice System
"Women are experts in their own lives and in their own situations, and when given the opportunity are often able to very clearly communicate what they need when the help is offered, and that the support offered where possible should align with this."
Watch our webinar where our research leaders will guide you through one of our recently published research projects on improving support for women at the intersection of family violence and Victoria's criminal justice system.
Discover policy and practice implications to promote the protective factors for women involved in the criminal justice system who have experienced family violence. This project is supported by funding from the State Government of Victoria.
Presenters
Professor Jennifer McIntosh
Professor Jennifer McIntosh is a clinical and developmental psychologist, family therapist, and Director of the Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University. Professor McIntosh is an advocate for vulnerable family and child populations at heightened risk for challenging outcomes. Her research focuses on transformative assessment processes, clinical innovation and supporting children and families through the recovery of trauma and the resolution of conflict.
Dr Zoe Cloud
Dr Zoe Cloud (formerly Guest) is a registered psychologist and Research Fellow at The Bouverie Centre, La Trobe University. As the manager of family therapy research at The Bouverie Centre, Dr Cloud’s research focuses on family relationships, family safety issues, and the evaluation of intervention programs.
Relevant audience
This webinar is intended for lived experience advocates in the family violence and/or justice reform sectors, workers in the mental health, allied health or family violence sectors (particularly those delivering family violence programs to women in the criminal justice system), and relevant stakeholders from the Victorian Government.
Access the webinar and download the resources
Webinar was recorded 25 June 2024
Resources
Please find below downloadable copies of our research findings