The COVID-19 outbreak has sparked immense collaboration across the sector. Please see below links with details of how to adapt during the crisis:

18-3-2020 Practice Bulletin No.1 Adapting practice

24-3-2020 Practice Bulletin No.2 Practice guidelines

What other agencies are doing:

• The Australian Government provides up to date information and offers translated COVID-19 updates.

• 1800RESPECT 

Have online resources for those who may not feel safe to speak over the phone including the 1800RESPECT counselling webchat and apps such as Daisy and Sunny.

• The Funded Agency Channel      

Recently this organisation has published The COVID-19 Plan for the Victorian Community Services Sector and The COVID-19 Family Violence and Sexual Assault Sector Guidelines (Version 1.0).

Victoria

• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

DHHS has also provided a COVID-19 Family Violence and Sexual Assault Guidelines which we recommend for all Victorian sector workers.

• Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria

For advice for family, friends and neighbours and for survivors during coronavirus.

• Magistrate’s Court of Victoria, Practice Directions

Provides information for people who are working with the courts.

• Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS)

Provides comprehensive community sector updates.

The listed organisations contain reference material which can be useful for sector workers:

• Respect Victoria
• Family Safety Victoria
• Safe Steps
• The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare

New South Wales

• Domestic Violence Service Management

For people experiencing domestic and family violence A guide for workplaces – contains uplifting responses to domestic and family violence during and beyond COVID-19.

For people experiencing domestic and family violence, A guide for family and friends – supporting responses to domestic and family violence during and beyond COVID-19.

Listed are some key resources for people who work in face-to-face counselling:

• Rosanna Bellini and Nicole Westmarland’s paper ‘Initial Lessons Learned from using Video Conferencing Software to deliver Interventions for Men using Violence in Intimate Relationships‘
• The Lookout website cites research and latest updates for specific concerns surrounding family violence and crisis: 
• Safe and Together – offers practical tips to assist you in delivery.