It is always very satisfying seeing projects that have been worked on for a while come in to land.
This week, I am proud to present to you FRSA’s latest research report offering, FRSA Member Mapping: Targeted intervention programs for people who use violence in intimate/family relationships.
This report shows that almost 6,000 people who use violence engage in our members’ programs each year. These moments of engagement are opportunities to protect families, support children and connect people with the services they need.
Key findings include:
- Most programs are group based, with some also providing case management or individual support
- About 80 percent include some support for partners and children, although the scope varies.
- Almost one third of programs have wait times of more than six weeks.
- Providers apply trauma informed, strengths based and culturally responsive models, yet outcomes are still often judged by attendance and completion.
FRSA is calling for recognition of these programs as a core part of the service system, for in-program supports for family members experiencing violence to be funded as standard practice, for stronger links with housing, health, justice and child and family services, and for outcomes that reflect family safety and wellbeing.
My thanks to all those in the FRSA network who participated in the project, the advisory group and of course, to Dr Robyn Clough, FRSA’s Manager of Policy and Research. She offers her own reflections on this Report below – be sure to push out Robyn’s article through LinkedIn as well.
Last week we held an Extraordinary General Meeting of Family & Relationship Services Australia for members to consider and vote on some changes to the FRSA Constitution. Whilst there were some administrative changes in the mix, the Constitutional amendments put to members were designed to address issues of board succession and to ensure appropriately qualified and experienced individuals are retained on the board by aligning member elected director terms with those of the board appointed directors. Now that the Constitution has been accepted and adopted by the members at this meeting, all FRSA Board members will be eligible to serve 3 terms of 3 years totalling 9 consecutive years of service. The Constitution and all FRSA’s corporate documents are available on the FRSA website.
The FRSA Board met today which will be the last meeting before the FRSA Annual General Meeting which will be held virtually on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. We do have one vacancy to fill on the Board with the Call for nominations going out to members on the 19th of September.
And speaking of dates…..if you are the CEO or Senior Manager leading one of our member organisations – we are looking forward to seeing you in Canberra for the Strategic Leadership Forum 29 & 30 October – registration details below.
