These guidelines draw on research by the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, in partnership with Domestic Violence Victoria, that investigated the impact of COVID-19 on family violence, practitioner wellbeing and remote service delivery.

The NSW social services sector employs more than 230,000 people, and provides care to more than 1 million people per year. This report underlines the opportunities arising from investing in the sector.

This report presents the findings of a nation-wide study of the experiences of frontline domestic and family violence (DFV) practitioners in Australia during the early months of COVID-19. The study explores the perceived impacts of the pandemic on clients, service adaptations and innovations, and the challenges faced by frontline staff.

The research behind this report demonstrates how government policy interventions, community service innovation and corporate support have highlighted what is possible when responding to people in hardship. It is clear that more will be needed in 2021, or Australia risks leaving many people behind on the road to recovery.

This report makes 15 recommendations to enhance the service system’s capacity to improve the experiences and life outcomes for young people transitioning from care by responding to their needs, challenges and aspirations.