A shift in practice: How to effectively engage with domestically violent fathers | AASW

Current responses to DFV have focused on addressing the safety and wellbeing needs of victims/survivors. However, each week one woman is murdered, and every fortnight one child dies in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV). 1.6 million women in Australia have experienced physical or sexualized violence from a current or ex-partner since the age of 15 years. So where are we going wrong and what can we as practitioners do differently to address this issue?

The Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence highlighted that in order to prevent and respond to DFV, the legal and service system needs to widen the gaze and engage men who have or are at risk of perpetrating violence and coercive control. Social workers play a key role in prevention and response efforts and often work in services that could engage domestically violent men. However, this often does not happen and opportunities to adequately assess risk and possibly invite behavioural change are missed. This workshop will draw from contemporary national and international research and practice experience to consider key strategies that social workers can practically apply to engage with and increase the visibility of men who use violence and coercive control.

Who should attend?  Emerging and evolving social workers working in settings that provide services to individuals and families experiencing DFV. More experienced social workers who would like to update their knowledge and enhance their skills are also welcome