Almost 6,000 people who use violence in their relationships engage in Family & Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) member programs each year. Every contact is a chance to protect families, support children and strengthen communities. This member mapping report was undertaken to build a clear picture of the footprint of members that deliver targeted intervention programs for people who use violence in intimate/family relationships.

The report calls for these programs to be recognised as critical entry points for family safety, for wraparound supports to be standard practice, for deliberate links with housing, health, justice and child and family services, and for outcomes to reflect what matters most to communities, safer families and long-term change.

Key findings

• Most programs are group based with some also providing case management or individual support.
• About 80% include vital support for partners and children but the scope is inconsistent and constrained by funding.
• Most programs use a blended practice approach that includes trauma informed and strengths-based practice.
• Wait times of more than six weeks are common for many services which risks losing people when they are ready to engage.