Integrated Response To Domestic Violence

Integrated Responses to Domestic Violence

A comprehensive 2014 study by Silke Meyer on an integrated response to domestic violence in Queensland defined ‘integrated response’ as, “a partnership response that involves formalized agreements regarding processes, roles, responsibilities and cross-unit accountability” (Meyer, 2014). A common feature is the integration of both criminal and civil response. Historically, the introduction of civil response has gained momentum since the implementation of the ‘exclusion order’, which allowed enforcement of removing a perpetrator of domestic violence from the family home. In the ACT, exclusion orders have been in effect since the implementation of domestic violence legislation in 1986. These civil measures

This eventually led to the establishment of the Family Violence Intervention Program, which saw an integration of criminal and civil agencies, including but not limited to, the police, the DPP, corrective services, the Department of Justice and Community Safety and Legal Aid. This attempted solution was among the first integrated models to receive some form of evaluation, conducted by Holder and Caruana in 2006, which revealed very promising information. Notable statistics include a 41% increase in the amount of incidents attended by police, and arrest as an outcome for 30% of cases. This pattern of success and efficacy has been emulated nation-wide, and as such, attempted solutions within Australia to combat Domestic Violence have relied on integrated models, which combine efforts in both civil and criminal

Furthermore, integrated responses are often focused on the short term, and need to develop greater cognizance of the need for ongoing support of victims, specifically in regards to housing arrangements. Meyer’s report also notes that the women who received housing arrangements believed they were “not sustainable in the long run”. A further barrier to the successful implementation of the integrated response model is the lack of diligence and effort it expends for ensuring the emotional protection and healing of female victims. If a women is permanently traumatised and scarred through an incidence of domestic violence, simply arresting and removing the offender will not suffice. The solution must be cognizant of the victims emotional needs. The use of risk assessment tools has also come under scrutiny, McFerran stressing the importance of risk assessment mechanisms being conducted “with great sensitivity and skill”. Whilst these mechanisms have been regarded as “an empowering way of working that values the woman as expert in her own life” (Kearney, 2004), they must similarly be cautious of “[sending] women the