Strengthening a holistic response to family violence
The Alexis – Family Violence Response Model (A-FVRM) was established in 2014 by The Salvation Army to provide an integrated response to high-risk and repeat family violence. The model is being strengthened through the integration of Senior Family Violence Lawyers, led by Southside Justice, who provide trauma-informed legal support alongside social workers and Police.
Embedding lawyers within multidisciplinary teams ensures people can access timely legal assistance at critical points, when engagement and outcomes are most achievable.
Addressing a critical gap through legal integration
Recognising legal assistance as a vital component of safety, stability and recovery from family violence, lawyers from Southside Justice and Gippsland Community Legal Centre work alongside A-FVRM units across Melbourne’s inner south and the Gippsland region.
Lawyers work closely with A-FVRM social workers and Police to enable:
- Timely access to legal assistance during critical periods of heightened safety risk.
- Stronger multidisciplinary collaboration between legal services, social workers and Victoria Police.
- More coordinated and effective responses through shared information and joined-up planning.
- Improved client engagement, with many people reporting they would not have otherwise sought legal help.
This initiative has been made possible through the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner Legal Services Board Grant Program.
