This project aims to provide evidence-based guidance about how the Essential Services Commission and essential providers engage with victim survivors of family violence. This includes guidance on better practice responses to victim survivors of family violence, and guidance on engaging victim survivors in the design, delivery and evaluation of the family violence reforms work and customer vulnerability work the commission is leading. This guidance is also relevant and applicable to essential service providers and other businesses who engage with victim survivors.

Safe and Equal, the peak body for specialist family violence services responding to victim survivors in Victoria, has partnered with the University of Melbourne’s Safer Families Centre and the University’s WEAVERS (Women and children who have Experienced Abuse and Violence: Advisors and Researchers) lived experience group, to deliver this project, commissioned by the Essential Services Commission.