Launch of the Family Violence Experts by Experience Framework

This Framework was developed based on the belief that responses to family violence will be most effective and safe if they are informed and developed in partnership with victim survivors.

The Framework acknowledges that the Victorian specialist family violence sector has developed and been underpinned by the lived experience of victim survivors. It therefore aims to enhance the ability of specialist family violence services to provide formal opportunities for survivor advocates to influence policy development, service planning and practice.

The development of the Framework used a co-design approach with the WEAVERs and was overseen by an Advisory Group made up of victim survivors and practitioners. The Framework was heavily informed by consultation with both victim survivors and practitioners through focus groups, interviews and online surveys.

One of the key elements of the Framework is a set of principles for best practice. These were drafted to guide collaborative processes for engaging survivor advocates and are consistent with the Domestic Violence Victoria Code of Practice (2020).

The Framework is accompanied by a range of practical resources and tools for both victim survivors interested in becoming involved in advocacy work and to support organisations in their planning.

The project was supported by Domestic Violence Victoria as part of the Family Violence Sector Capacity Building Program and generously funded by Gandel Philanthropy, the William Buckland Foundation, Give Where You Live Foundation, State Trustees Australia Foundation, the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Trust and the Johnstone Gumption Fund and the Jump Start Fund, sub-funds of Australian Communities Foundation.

The Framework is available in three formats (a research report, executive summary and online portal) at http://dvvic.org.au/members/experts-by-experience/