Building Collaborations to Eliminate Family Violence: Facilitators, Barriers and Good Practice

• NCJ Number: 238887
• Author(s): Clare Murphy Ph.D.; Janet Fanslow Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 53 pages
• Sale Source: New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Technical Assistance; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: New Zealand

Annotation

This paper proposes definitions and policies for the development of collaborative initiatives in New Zealand that are intended to strengthen the prevention of and response to family violence.

Abstract

New Zealand networks designed to counter family violence vary in the ways they have been established, their membership, their strategies, and their activities. Some networks meet to share information, some to respond to crises and provide early intervention, and others meet to develop family violence prevention strategies. Networks also vary in their structure. Some are informal, and others have formal written protocols, aims, and procedures. This paper aims to support the development of coordinated multi-agency collaboration to prevent and intervene in family violence. In order to facilitate the development of a common language to be used in this endeavor, some commonly accepted definitions are provided for "networking," "cooperation," "coordination," and "collaboration." The terms distinguish types of multi-agency working according to the aims of the interaction, the intensity of interaction, the degree of trust required, and the sharing of risk and responsibility. The paper then proceeds to review and compare international and New Zealand literature in terms of the common challenges, barriers to, and facilitators of a coordinated response to family violence. The paper promotes a strong national mandate and leadership for agencies to work collaboratively. A centralized source for information is needed as a resource for local networks. All members of a collaborative need written agreements on shared aims and objectives based on commonly agreed values-based philosophical frameworks. Investment in a dedicated coordinator role ensures momentum is not lost and issues are resolved as they arise. Consistent monitoring and measuring of safety and accountability must occur in ways that support ongoing learning and provide opportunities for the inclusion of current best practice for system-wide responses. 132 references