Introduction

The MARAM Framework creates a response model for all services that connect with adults and children who may be experiencing family violence.

It covers all aspects of service delivery from early identification, screening, risk assessment and management, to safety planning, collaborative practice, stabilisation and recovery.

The objectives of the MARAM Framework are to:

  • ensure that all professionals, regardless of their role, have a shared understanding of family violence and perpetrator behaviour, including its drivers, presentation, prevalence and impacts
  • increase the safety of people experiencing family violence
  • ensure the broad range of experiences across the spectrum of seriousness and presentations of risk are represented in the family violence response, including for Aboriginal and diverse communities, children, young people and older people, across identities, and family and relationships types
  • keep perpetrators in view and hold them accountable for their actions
  • provide guidance on how to align to the MARAM Framework to ensure consistent service delivery.

MARAM has been implemented alongside two other government reforms – the FVISS and CISS. FSV is the lead agency on the implementation of MARAM and the FVISS. DET is the lead agency on the implementation of the CISS.

Implementation of the reforms is broadly across three mechanisms:

FSV as the Whole of Victorian Government (WoVG) reform lead

As the lead agency on the reforms, FSV is responsible for developing the overarching policy and guidance, as well as monitoring and reporting on overall implementation for MARAM.

Departments as portfolio leads

Government departments (and FSV as an administrative body) are responsible for tailoring and embedding the WoVG policy into their prescribed workforces while maintaining consistency to the reform intent.

Sector leads

Peak bodies and leading organisations in sectors receive funding to support implementation more directly with workforces, enabling a greater coverage to core sectors in the reforms.

Where relevant, the chapters highlight the different roles played by FSV as WoVG lead, government departments and administrative offices as portfolio leads, and sector peaks and organisations.

  • Chapters 1 to 5 provide further background on the MARAM reforms, use of language consistent with the MARAM Framework and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Chapters 5 to 8 provide highlights and a summary of core activities across portfolios, structured around four strategic change priorities.
  • Chapter 9 outlines the next steps being taken across portfolios to continue the reform implementation.

This report does not capture the full range of activities undertaken by government and sector, as the purpose is to provide a snapshot of achievements in MARAM alignment from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Updated