In May 2022, the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Family Violence Partnership’s Family Violence Therapeutic Working Group (Therapeutic Working Group) took a significant step forward in their commitment to addressing the needs of victim-survivors. This milestone was marked by a pivotal consultation where survivor advocates and the Therapeutic Working Group convened to explore the themes of ‘therapeutic care’ and ‘healing and recovery.'

This consultation represented an opportunity for a collaborative exploration, where the voices of those who have been impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence were heard by dedicated professionals. At the core of this consultation was the commitment of the Therapeutic Working Group to be truly client-centred. It was in line with this commitment that the Therapeutic Working Group funded and supported the development of resources completely led and developed by victim-survivors themselves. These resources aim to enhance the support given to organisations, practitioners and clients as they navigate the journey through therapeutic care.

It has been an immense privilege to have the opportunity to lead this work. Often in these spaces I am asked to work as either a victim-survivor, or as a professional. This work was a special invitation to embrace the duality of who I am – a capable professional but also a survivor with insights of the service system and of client’s needs. I consider the autonomy provided by our funders to develop a wholly survivor-led initiative to be a groundbreaking endeavor and an example of supporting lived experience leadership.

I have been inspired by the determination of the victim-survivors I have had the privilege to work with. Their desire to create opportunities for others affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence not only to survive, but to thrive, is nothing short of remarkable.

The ultimate aim of this work is to offer the sector insights and resources that will enable us to better meet the needs of the individuals we are dedicated to serving. It is the sincere hope of all victim-survivors involved in this project that this work will act as a source of guidance and a catalyst for change.

In solidarity with the enduring spirit of survivors and with a shared commitment to a more responsive sector,