For this Case Study, we spoke to a Counsellor Advocate at a specialist Family Violence Service
This case study explores the multidisciplinary practice (MDP) approach used to support *Sam, a First Nations woman in her 60s, who experienced multiple instances of family violence and sexual assault. With an ex-partner stalking her and causing damage to her transitional housing, Sam needed long-term secure housing and was also struggling with an eating disorder, alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts. Through a coordinated response involving various services and advocacy, Sam received safe, stable housing and material aid, while addressing the trauma of her experiences.
Sam sought help from sexual assault services to address her complex trauma, stemming from repeated experiences of family violence and sexual assault. She was being stalked by an ex-partner – the same individual responsible for her previous abuse. Sam’s safety and housing stability were at immediate risk because her transitional housing faced threats due to the perpetrator’s break-ins. Alongside this, she struggled with an eating disorder, alcohol dependency, and suicidal ideation. The Orange Door referred her for counselling and, through her engagement with support services, it became clear that advocacy for safe, secure housing was essential to her wellbeing.
Sam faced significant challenges stemming from her past and current experiences of violence, including severe trauma due to repeated family violence and sexual assault, as well as ongoing stalking and harassment by her ex-partner, which jeopardised her housing stability through repeated break-ins and vandalism. She also chose not to disclose her Aboriginal identity to service providers, a decision shaped by previous experiences of racism and discrimination.
To address the elevated risk posed by her ex-partner, Sam was referred to a family violence case management services team. This facilitated coordination among services and ensured effective communication. Advocacy efforts were made to the police regarding breaches of the intervention order, and housing services were informed of the police responses to accurately reflect the risk to Sam. This coordination ensured that housing providers had the necessary information to make informed decisions about Sam’s housing support.
The coordinated approach involved building a united understanding of Sam’s context, goals and risks. Services worked together to secure safe, stable housing for Sam and provided material aid to help her re-establish stability. Advocacy and clear communication were essential in managing the risk and addressing the housing concerns effectively.
The MDP approach successfully provided Sam with safe and stable housing and material aid, despite the complex challenges she faced. Key outcomes included a common understanding of Sam’s needs and risks, effective coordination among services and minimised re-traumatisation. Sam’s engagement with sexual assault services and family violence case management led to timely and efficient responses, including addressing breaches of the intervention order. This approach enabled clear communication and advocacy, resulting in improved support for Sam and a more integrated service delivery.
Key features critical to the success of the MDP and outcomes achieved in this case study include:
Centring the voices, interests and choices of victim–survivors across every aspect of service provision.
In this case example, the services were coordinated to address Sam’s trauma, housing instability and personal challenges. This approach ensured that Sam’s needs and preferences were prioritised, leading to effective support tailored to her situation.
The service user is at the centre of the development of that collaboration. So that the voice is elevated in that communication process.
Valuing specialist knowledge enhances family safety and wellbeing, while respecting role boundaries improves practitioner satisfaction and retention.
In this case example, specialist services, including sexual assault and family violence case management, were involved in Sam’s care. The use of specialised knowledge and clear role boundaries enhanced Sam’s safety and wellbeing, contributing to more effective and satisfying care
Engaging respectfully with fellow practitioners, valuing diverse professional backgrounds and being open to learning from different perspectives.
In this case example, services engaged in clear communication and collaboration, respecting each other’s expertise. This fostered a collaborative environment that supported Sam’s needs and allowed for learning from diverse perspectives.
We cc’d her [the client] in on the communication between us to keep it transparent. I think because it was going on in front of her eyes that was very validating … keeping everyone feeling more equal, promoting equality.
Timely and effective exchange of relevant data, insights and knowledge across different professionals involved in supporting the client.
In this case example, relevant data and insights were exchanged among services, including updates on police responses and housing risks. Information sharing facilitated informed decision-making and a cohesive support system for Sam.
The case study demonstrates the success of a trauma-informed MDP approach in addressing Sam’s complex needs. By coordinating efforts among various services and maintaining clear communication, Sam was able to secure safe and stable housing and receive material aid. Key outcomes achieved highlight the importance of centring the client’s needs, fostering respectful relationships and ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
