29. Integrated Responses

Recommendation 29–1 The Australian, state and territory governments, in establishing or further developing integrated responses to family violence, should ensure that any such response is based on common principles and objectives, developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Recommendation 29–2 The Australian, state and territory governments, in establishing or further developing integrated responses to family violence, should ensure ongoing and responsive collaboration between agencies and organisations, supported by:

1. protocols and memorandums of understanding;
2. information-sharing arrangements;
3. regular meetings; and
4. where possible, designated liaison officers.

Recommendation 29–3 TheAustralian,state and territory governments should prioritise the provision of, and access to, culturally appropriate victim support services for victims of family violence, including enhanced support for victims in high risk and vulnerable groups.

Recommendation 29–4 The Australian, state and territory governments should prioritise the provision of, and access to, legal services for victims of family violence, including enhanced support for victims in high risk and vulnerable groups.

Recommendation 29–5 State and territoryvictims’ compensation legislation:

1. should define an ‘act of violence’ to include family violence and ensure that evidence of a pattern of family violence may be considered;
2. should not provide that acts are ‘related’ merely because they are committed by the same offender, and should provide that victims have the opportunity to object if claims are to be treated as related; and
3. should ensure that victims’ compensation claims are not excluded on the basis that the offender might benefit from the claim. (Other measures should be adopted to ensure that offenders do not have access to victims’ compensation award.)