State of knowledge National mapping and meta-evaluation outlining key features of effective “safe at home” programs that enhance safety and prevent homelessness for women and their children who have experienced domestic and family violence: State of knowledge
This state of knowledge paper discusses the history and development of “safe at home” approaches, and the corresponding policy and practice context. It outlines current safe at home approaches in Australia and overseas and common program elements across jurisdictions.
The paper presents four philosophical pillars as the platform on which “safe at home” responses were founded: 1) promoting safety; 2) operating as an integrated response; 3) promoting economic security; and 4) preventing homelessness.
It also provides a preliminary mapping of current services and initiatives in Australia and overseas, and how legislative and policy contexts influence such programs.
Publication details
This work is part of the ANROWS Landscapes series. ANROWS Landscapes (State of knowledge papers) are medium length papers that scope current knowledge on an issue related to violence against women and their children. Papers will draw on empirical research, including research produced under ANROWS’s research program, and/or practice knowledge.
Prepared by
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JAN BRECKENRIDGE
School of Social Sciences and Co-convenor, Gendered Violence Research Network, University of New South Wales.
PROFESSOR DONNA CHUNG
Head of Social Work, School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University.
DR ANGELA SPINNEY
Research Fellow/Lecturer, Swinburne Institute of Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology.
DR CAROLE ZUFFEREY
Lecturer in Social Work, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia.