Register now for Leading Change in Family Violence

Bringing together over 200 professionals from across Australia, Leading Change in Family Violence is a pioneering event. It will invite experts, advocates, and sector leaders to discuss the impact of the family violence reform agenda, share innovative approaches, and explore the growing evidence base for family violence practice.

Addressing the critical issue of family violence is at the heart of Berry Street's mission. We know that collaboration across the sector is key to creating quality outcomes for people experiencing violence at home. That’s why Berry Street is proud to be hosting the Leading Change in Family Violence Symposium this December, alongside our esteemed partners Safe and Equal, The Centre for Excellence in Child & Family Welfare (CECFW) and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA).

What can attendees expect?

Over the one-day symposium, the event program will feature a range of presentations and panel discussions. Attendees can expect to gain insights into the diverse aspects of family violence, an update on new learnings and innovations and learn how to use evidence-led practice within their work.

Understanding the family violence reform agenda

The Hon. Vicki Ward, MP, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence will provide the symposium welcome and open the day for attendess.

Tania Farha, CEO of Safe and Equal, and Deb Tsorbaris, CECFW CEO will present an update on systems change and present new and emerging applications available for practitioners to implement in their work.

Highlighting the impact of the Reform Agenda will be Melanie Heenan, Deputy Secretary, Family Safety Victoria and Michaela Cronin, Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner. They both will speak to the National and Victorian perspectives.

Innovations in practice and applying a lens of intersectionality

Muriel Bamblett, , CEO of VACCA, will present 'Innovations in Practice through a Cultural Lens,' spotlighting shifts in the sector, and examining the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

A panel discussion will feature Nadia Mattiazzo, CEO of Women with Disabilities Victoria, Janet Jukes OAM, (Board President of Thorne Harbour Health), and Rasha Abbas, CEO of InTouch,) to discuss family violence through the lens of intersectionality. This discussion aims to explore the current innovative practices implemented by each organisation and their respective learnings and outcomes.

Growing the evidence base for family violence practice

Kate Fitzgibbon, Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, will present a segment emphasising the importance of evidence-based approaches in family violence services. Afterward, Cathy Humphreys and Margaret Kertesz from Melbourne University will share what research has shown for working with children and young people impacted by violence.

Amplifying the voice of lived experience

The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion where attendees will hear from Berry Street’s Y-Change Lived Experience Consultants. Attendees will gain invaluable insights and learn about the importance of placing children and young people at the fore of family violence practice.

Join us in leading change

Berry Street's Leading Change in Family Violence Symposium invites professionals, advocates, policymakers, and community members to come together and be a part of this collaborative event.

If you’re a practitioner working with families impacted by violence and would like attend, you can learn more by clicking the button below.