INSIGHTS

Working across sectors to meet the needs of clients experiencing domestic and family violence

This paper collates and synthesises the evidence on interagency collaboration, and offers recommendations and resources for policymakers and practitioners seeking to implement an integrated approach to service provision.

Victims/survivors often have complex and multiple needs that cannot be met by one service. Integrated approaches bring services together in formal and informal ways to work collaboratively to meet the needs of clients. Integrated approaches also have the potential to reduce risk, including the risk of secondary victimisation caused by inappropriate service responses.

Australian governments at all levels have recognised the potential for cross-sector work to cost-effectively reduce risk and improve outcomes for victim survivors. Evidence supporting collaborative practice sits across a diverse range of ANROWS research, with many containing recommendations and resources for policymakers, practice designers and practitioners seeking to implement an integrated approach. The evidence also offers many lessons about the risks and barriers associated with integrated approaches. Risks to client privacy and confidentiality stand out as a key consideration that must be addressed in any integrated response.

This paper synthesises what we know about what works, and what doesn’t for collaborative practice. It collates existing ANROWS research recommendations into a useful resource for policymakers, practice designers and practitioners interested in establishing an integrated response, with links provided to proven resources. Brief case studies are included to help identify the unique challenges and benefits of different approaches to integrated service provision.

Suggested citation

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2020). Working across sectors to meet the needs of clients experiencing domestic and family violence (ANROWS Insights, 05/2020). Sydney: ANROWS.