An innovative program that places specialist family violence workers alongside Police is set to be expanded in Victoria.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Natalie Hutchins this week announced a $1.5 million investment for the Alexis Family Violence Response Model (Alexis-FVRM), funded by the Government’s Strengthening Women’s Safety Package.
Run by the Salvation Army, the Alexis-FVRM currently works across Prahran, Bayside, Morwell and Wonthaggi. The additional funding will enable the program to expand to two new sites based on police advice.
“This program has a proven track record of improving safety, holding perpetrators to account and supporting long-term behaviour change,” said Minister Hutchins.
“This investment builds on the work we’re doing right across Victoria to stop family violence before it starts, support victim-survivors and keep women and children safe.”
The program embeds two specialised family violence workers within Victoria Police Family Violence Investigation Units to provide immediate, coordinated support after serious incidents.
These teams engage directly with victim-survivors, including children and young people who are at serious risk, as well as with perpetrators who use family violence.
They deliver targeted interventions for families where traditional risk management approaches may not work – such as when they are disengaged from police or services, there is repeated, high-risk violence, or complex issues such as drug and alcohol use or mental health conditions.
“Victoria Police plays a critical role in responding to family violence – having specialist workers embedded alongside officers means better support for victims from the very first call,” said Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines.
“These partnerships help police intervene earlier, better protect women and children and connect families with the services they need to stay safe.”
Salvation Army National General Manager Family Violence and Modern Slavery, Lorrinda Hamilton said the organisation welcomed the announcement.
“Evidence demonstrates a reduction in risk and recidivism while increasing the overall safety of victim-survivors,” said Ms Hamilton.
