Inclusivity in Interagency Responses to Domestic Violence and Child Protection

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe integrated response model offers opportunities for agencies to unite to address domestic violence and its intersections with other elements of oppression including colonialism, racism, and heterosexism. This article explores the workings of a well-established integrated response in relation to minoritised populations. Thirty staff from member organisations of the integrated response participated in semi-structured interviews. Using qualitative methodology, study findings indicated that service providers were cognisant of minoritised populations and open to assisting all. However, lack of recognition of the needs of minoritised populations, and challenges in incorporating cultural knowledge with specialist domestic violence knowledge, inhibited engagement. Enhanced collaboration between agencies and self-reflexivity in a culturally responsive approach may assist in assimilating narratives of racism, colonialism, and sexuality into integrated responses’ core philosophies.IMPLICATIONSThe social work profession has an important role in enhancing understanding and responses to diversity where there are domestic violence and child protection concerns.The social work profession's ecological approach and eclectic knowledge base positions the profession well to support inclusive multi-agency collaborations.The social work profession's commitment to anti-oppressive practice could promote partnership between domestic violence services and child protection services working with families experiencing violence.