good practice programs
Understanding ‘Good Practice’ in domestic violence services and programs
What is the Good Practice Database?
The Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse maintains an Australian database which documents examples of good practice in organisational responses to domestic violence or programs or services which address domestic violence.
The aim of the database is to publicise information about initiatives throughout the country and to enable agencies and service providers who work in the field of domestic violence to keep up to date with service models, new initiatives and current standards of practice, in order to promote high standards across the field.
What are the elements of programs which address domestic violence that represent good practice?
Good practice programs, projects, services and initiatives are of a high standard and contain the following elements:
1 Underpinning principles and policies which
(a) reflect the primacy of safety of women and children,
(b) define domestic violence as,
- physical
- sexual
- psychological
- social and/or
- financial
abuse, in an existing or former intimate-partner relationship causing ongoing fear and includes the experience of children who witness or are present during incidents of domestic violence,
(c) hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviour and aims to reduce incidents of violence committed by perpetrators,
(d) are based on an understanding of domestic violence which acknowledges that abuse is used to gain and maintain power and control,
(e) recognise that domestic violence is a gender issue, and,
(f) recognise that acts of violence are criminal acts, irrespective of class, culture, race, religion, age or disability or the location of the acts of violence;
2 A recognition of cultural diversity and other diverse needs within the community; consideration of discrimination
and issues of equitable access;
3 Innovation or the establishment of practice benchmarks which can be adopted by other services and organisations;
4 Potential for adoption or development within a range of settings across the nation;
5 A clearly defined conceptual framework;
6 Clearly defined aims and objectives;
7 Development and implementation informed by consultative processes, where relevant;
8 Organisational structures which ensure appropriately skilled, supported and professionally service providers;
9 Planning, monitoring and appropriate evaluation processes;
10 The development of policies and guidelines;
11 Participation within networks to work towards improved levels of interagency co-operation and collaboration to address and reduce domestic violence within the community; and,
12 Management and leadership which provide direction towards the achievement of coordinated, integrated and consistent responses to domestic violence based on common principles.
