Practice Development

Code of Practice

The second edition of the Code of Practice: Principles and Standards for Specialist Family Violence Services for Victim-Survivors (the Code) is now available – see download links below.

Domestic Violence Victoria established the first edition of the Code in 2006. It informed the development of the sector over many years and provided a key resource for the broader family violence system. It was also one of the first guidelines of its kind and has served as a model for other states in Australia and internationally.

The second edition of the Code articulates principles and standards to guide consistent quality service provision for victim-survivors accessing specialist family violence services in Victoria. It was developed using a range of research processes, including participatory consultations with specialist family violence service leaders and practitioners, government and sector partners, and victim-survivor advisors. The Code is founded on a framework that is underpinned by an evidence-based understanding of family violence, intersectional feminist analysis, and supporting frameworks including human rights, social justice, anti-oppressive practice, and a trauma and violence-informed approach.