Impact of FVIARS on Women’s Refuge clients

The National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges have released new research into the impact of the Family Violence Interagency Response System (FVIARS) on Women’s Refuge clients. The research is based on focus groups with Women's Refuge clients and interviews with Women's Refuge staff in 2006 and 2011.

Negative perceptions and experiences of staff include:

• Compromised ability to empower victims of family violence
• Compromised ability to advocate for women
• Refuges perceived to collude with government agencies

Positive outcomes identified by staff include:

• Closer working relationships between Refuges and key stakeholders
• Improved communication and information sharing between key stakeholders
• Building trust and respect between key stakeholders

Focus groups with Women's Refuge clients were broadened to ask about the impact of state intervention on women following a family violence notification. Negative outcomes identified include:

• Lack of control throughout the process
• Child, Youth and Family involvement
• Unexpected events after seeking help
• Breaches of confidentiality by state agencies
• Multiple agency involvement

 Positive outcomes include:

• Police support
• Support from Family Safety Team

The report concludes with critical success factors and recommendations.

Kaitiaki Research and Evaluation. (2012). Understanding the Impact of the Family Violence Interagency Response System (FVIARS) on Women’s Refuge Clients: An Exploratory Study. Prepared for the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges. Download PDF (247 KB)