Responding to perpetrators of family violence

Because family violence is so prevalent in our community, you may encounter people who use family violence in your work. Responding to perpetrators of family violence requires specialist knowledge and skills. There are specialist perpetrator intervention services that provide this response. 

To learn more about perpetrator interventions and the specialist services providing responses to people who use family violence visit No to Violence.

We all have a role to play in identifying and responding to family violence perpetrators

Under the Victorian Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM), everyone working in community organisations, government and non-government agencies has a role and responsibility to identify family violence. Depending on the work that you do and the organisation you work for, you may have legislated responsibilities for identification, risk assessment and response to family violence perpetrators. 

To learn more about MARAM and the legislated roles and responsibilities that sit with different workforces, visit the MARAM page.

For guidance on working with perpetrators of family violence refer to the MARAM practice guides: Guidance for working with adults using family violence.

Where to refer a client who is using violence

The Men’s Referral Service provides telephone counselling, information and referrals for men in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. They also support people who want to change the abusive behaviour of their male partners or family members. 

The service is run by No to Violence and engages with all men respectfully to identify their needs, safety and risks, and provides options for services that can help. An important part of their approach is reducing the risk of harm to victim survivors.

Call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence.