❓ Question regarding the capacity of the Family Violence Service (FVS) to meet increasing demand and ensure victims receive timely support. The answer outlines service provision, triage processes, and future reform strategies.
AnsweredQoN 2066Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Family Violence Service (FVS), and I ask: (a) given the increasing demand, is the FVS able to consistently service all victims of family violence that require access to the service; (b) did any victims of family violence try to access the FVS but not receive any services as the triage system identified them as being of low risk; (c) what was the average waiting time between people contacting the FVS and receiving services from the FVS; and (d) what strategies are being implemented to ensure the needs of the victims of family violence can be met in the future in the face of increasing demand?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 November 2014
Response time
26 days
(a) All victims who access the FVS are seen and provided with information, support and referral to other services based upon an assessment of their needs.
(b) No victims who sought assistance and were involved in a risk assessment triage process were denied a service. Victims who access the FVS for support and information are offered an immediate service or they can be offered an appointment depending on their particular circumstances. The FVS does not operate a waiting list and victims of family violence who require an immediate service will be offered support at that time.
(c) The FVS is one of a number of agencies assisting victims of family violence who may need support. The FVS works in collaboration with the courts, the Victim Support Service and community based services to ensure that victims obtain information and support when they need it.
(d) As I noted on 25 June 2014 in tabling the Final Report of the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia's reference on family and domestic violence laws and policies:
It is expected that this report will assist the government in refining its domestic violence policy, laws and processes and achieving that balance.
I will examine the report in greater detail, and I expect following this examination to be in a position to present cabinet with a package of reforms in response to the report's recommendations.
Work is under way in relation to developing necessary reforms.
(b) No victims who sought assistance and were involved in a risk assessment triage process were denied a service. Victims who access the FVS for support and information are offered an immediate service or they can be offered an appointment depending on their particular circumstances. The FVS does not operate a waiting list and victims of family violence who require an immediate service will be offered support at that time.
(c) The FVS is one of a number of agencies assisting victims of family violence who may need support. The FVS works in collaboration with the courts, the Victim Support Service and community based services to ensure that victims obtain information and support when they need it.
(d) As I noted on 25 June 2014 in tabling the Final Report of the Law Reform Commission of Western Australia's reference on family and domestic violence laws and policies:
It is expected that this report will assist the government in refining its domestic violence policy, laws and processes and achieving that balance.
I will examine the report in greater detail, and I expect following this examination to be in a position to present cabinet with a package of reforms in response to the report's recommendations.
Work is under way in relation to developing necessary reforms.
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