Risk Assessment and Management

Generalist services should refer to a specialist service for risk assessment and management.

If the disclosure of DFV suggests there is a high risk of harm, consider whether you can assist the person with immediate access to a specialist service. For example, CAWLS is on call to the Alice Springs Hospital, and operates a drop-in clinic for family violence matters with no appointments required between 8:30am-5pm. 

What is High Risk?

Research has shown that there are certain factors that increase the risk of serious harm and homicide, this is commonly referred to as “high risk factors”.

They include:

• Non-lethal strangulation or choking
• History of DFV and / or early onset of DFV in the relationship 
• Pregnancy and new birth
• Stalking
• Threats to kill
• Intoxication and drug and/or alcohol misuse
• Separation (actual or pending)
• Sexual violence
• Coercive control
• Escalation (frequency and/ or severity) of violence over time 
• Threats or attempts to self-harm or suicide
• Upcoming or recent release from prison of person committing DFV 
• Previous or current breach of court orders/ DVO

For more information on this please see the RAMF Practice Tool 3 (High Risk DFV Factors).

Risk Assessment

Specialist DFV organisations will conduct a risk assessment using the Common Risk Assessment Tool (CRAT), following the NT Risk Assessment and Management Framework. Part of the response will always include developing a safety plan, and sometimes people will be referred to the Family Safety Framework (FSF).

Safety Planning

Effective safety planning will be based on the specific needs of the adult or young person.

A safety plan should address immediate and long term safety needs.

If you cannot facilitate immediate risk assessment for your client/patient, consider whether you are able to assist with a short term safety plan prior to them gaining access to a specialist. 

Example lead in statement: “From what you have told me, I am concerned about your safety. Do you have a plan of what you would do if you needed to leave or if something happens that makes you feel scared when you are with that person?”

Please refer to the RAMF: Practice Tool 8 (Safety Plan) for more information.

Family Safety Framework

The Family Safety Framework (FSF) is part of the Northern Territory Government’s ongoing commitment to respond to victim survivors at serious risk of DFV. The purpose of the FSF is to provide an action-based integrated service response to victim survivors of DFV who are at serious risk of injury or death.

FSF meetings operate in Alice Springs, Darwin, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Yuendumu. The operational lead of the FSF is the Northern Territory Police, and the policy lead is provided by Department Territory Families, Housing and Communities.