ANNUAL

REPORT

2022-2023

CENTRE

AGAINST

VIOLENCE

LONG TERM VISION

OUR PURPOSE

To deliver family and sexual violence services and advocacy to support everyone in the Ovens Murray region to be safe.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At the Centre Against Violence, the principles of feminism, intersectionality and trauma informed practice underpin our work.

For all people in the Ovens Murray region to live safer lives. To achieve this, CAV aims to be:

• The recognised provider of inclusive, quality, and accessible services across the region.
  
• The leading regional voice on family and sexual violence.
  
• An employer of choice where our staff are safe, supported, and skilled.

.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Leadership & Advocacy

Service Excellence

Great People

Organisational Evolution

HELLO FROM OUR CEO & CHAIR

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive team it is our great pleasure to present the Annual Report 2022 - 2023.

The last year was the year where we set the National priority to eradicate violence against women and children in a generation. Sadly, it was also the year that we saw an increase in reported incidents of family and sexual violence throughout our region, and deaths by a former or current partner throughout the country. There is much work to do as a nation to change this horrific trend. Whilst we are one organisation working hard to do this, we take great pride and hope from the many different groups, organisations and individuals who are working and advocating loud every day to make sure everyone in our community feels safe. The year ahead already has a great many priorities set for it, we are excited to be part of the move to change the way we talk about and respond to family and sexual violence.

As an organisation we have spent this year focused on understanding and responding to the needs of our community and clients. The world and the sector in which we work has changed significantly over the last few years. The impact this has on our work and the way we deliver it has been profound. We continue to experience and respond to this increased demand by providing high quality services to victim survivors of family and sexual violence and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The year to come will be another year of both small and large moments that make a real difference in the lives of people impacted by violence.

Over the year we have increased our presence across all social media platforms, radio, tv and newspapers, raising the profile of our organisation and the important work we do. We have partnered with our state peak bodies to raise awareness of important issues and priorities in the sector whilst continuing to tell the story of our own local challenges. The local knowledge and support for CAV has significantly grown this year. We have more people interacting with us, championing us, and seeking service than ever before. We have created spaces – both online and in our new offices where people feel safe, supported, and welcomed regardless of their experiences.

We have also continued to build and develop a highly skilled and experienced team who care deeply about the work that they do. Some days are particularly hard in this work, but the group of kind and dedicated humans who fill our offices ensure that everyone is treated with respect and compassion. Our strong financial performance has strengthened our capacity to value add to funded programs and services. We want to grow our impact and ensure CAV is responding to the needs of our community in a contemporary, respectful and diverse way.

The Board at CAV has set a clear and ambitious direction for our organisation and this year has seen us achieve significant results in setting the framework to achieve our priorities long term. We have been privileged to have a Board that is both experienced and supportive. Thank you for the time and dedication you have all committed to your roles. This year we say goodbye to two of our longest serving Board members. Corina Modderman has been with our board for 9 years and has spent the last three as Chair. Under Corina’s guidance the organisation has seen significant change and growth including a new CEO, two new offices and significant service and operational transformation. Lisa Neville will also finish her time on the Board after a four-year term, with the last three years as Vice-Chair. Lisa’s commitment to governance and policy has positioned our organisation with a strength in process and operations that is enviable in our sector.

As we begin the new year, we do so with a faith that our community is moving in the direction of our ambitious vision – that everyone feels safe. We continue to stand with our community, our partners, and the people with lived experience of violence to amplify their voices and build a future of safety and hope. We are excited to see the momentum of true change begin.

Our Board of Directors

Centre Against Violence is led by a skilled Board of Directors who contribute a diverse range of qualifications, experiences, and backgrounds to the strategic direction and accountable governance of the organisation.

The Board ensures the delivery of efficient, effective, and quality services across the region.

Dr Corina Modderman - Chair

Lisa Neville - Vice Chair

Adrian Johnstone - Treasurer

Melinda Edwards

Tanya Lowes

Mary Reid

David Kidd

Mark Florence *until 23rd May 2023

Our Executive Team

Our executive team brings a diverse range of talents and expertise to collectively steer our organisation with a shared vision and commitment. Lead experts in their respective fields, they play integral roles in securing our client service delivery, operational procedures, and organisational culture.

Lucy Lee

Intake & Therapeutic

Services Manager

Robin Gardner

People & Culture

Manager

Jaime Chubb

CEO

Brent Quill

Corporate Services

Manager

Rebecca Jones

Family Violence & Accommodation

Services Manager

Our Staff

We support, develop, and recruit skilled, knowledgeable, and committed professionals. We take pride in the caliber of staff that we have in our team and are grateful for their dedication and hard work.

Wangaratta: 20 staff

Wodonga: 20 staff

The Orange Door: 11 staff

Benalla Outreach: 1 day per week

Our staff are based primarily in our Wodonga and Wangaratta Offices, with outreach one day per week to the Benalla Services hub.

Over the last year, we set ourselves the goal to boost our visibility and accessibility across our rural areas. This included exploring the potential for establishing outreach locations in local towns. We now have seven outreach locations identified to support people right across the region.

Established Locations

• Wodonga
• Wangaratta
• Benalla
  

Potential Locations

• Beechworth
  
• Bright
  
• Tallangatta
  
• Chiltern
• Corryong
• Mansfield
• Myrtleford

The Centre Against Violence, is a renowned leader in the Ovens & Murray region and remains steadfast in its mission to comprehend, respond to, and diminish violence within our community. In the following pages, we share our journey and examples of the impact we have made.

Leadership Involvement:

Our CEO's pivotal role on the Sexual Assault Services (SAS) Victoria Board, along with her leadership as Chair and Auspice of the Ovens & Murray Family Violence Prevention Group, underlines our commitment to addressing violence and promoting community well-being.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

Our partnership with Safe + Equal signifies our unwavering dedication to working alongside like-minded organisations, fortifying a network of support and resources to ensure a safer community.

We work closely every day with the many wonderful organisations and agencies within our region to ensure that our communities can access the services, information, and resources that they need.

Advocacy Efforts:

We take pride in being agents of change. In 2022, we tirelessly advocated for a specialised Family Law court in our region. Additionally, we've shared our insights and expertise at the Victorian Housing Forum. We have advocated loudly for increases in funding, consideration of victim’s experiences in the legal and judicial systems, acknowledgement of regional and rural challenges, and the voices of victim survivors to be heard at every point. We have joined our local and state colleagues in ensuring that the needs of victims of family and sexual violence are consistently considered and responded to, and that commitments are met.

LEADING THE WAY THROUGH RESEARCH

Together with Associate Professor Lynne McPherson, and Professor Anne Graham from the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University, Associate Professor Kathomi Gatwiri from Southern Cross University, Darlene Rotumah from Gnibi College of Australian Indigenous Peoples at Southern Cross University, Dr. Corina Modderman from Rural Health School at La Trobe University, and our CEO, Jaime Chubb at the Centre Against Violence, we have successfully secured grant funding for an essential research project.

Our joint endeavor, known as "Listen UP!," aims to address the historical lack of voice for individuals with lived experiences of child sexual abuse. This project represents a critical step forward in improving responses to disclosure and understanding the needs of children, young people, and adult victims and survivors.

This project empowers victims and survivors, encouraging them to voice their concerns, disclose their experiences, and seek the assistance they deserve. By amplifying their voices, we strive to create a safer and more empathetic society, fostering an environment where individuals are heard, supported, and guided towards healing.

To learn more, go to: https://nationalcentre.org.au/research/listen-up-learning-from-victims-and-survivors-about-what-helps-disclosure-and-responses-to-child-sexual-abuse

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY

Community advocacy is at the core of our mission. We actively participate in local events, collaborate with key stakeholders, and work tirelessly to address the root causes of violence. This encompasses our presence at a wide range of regional events and implementation of preventive and educational initiatives in schools and sporting clubs.

We believe that one of the most important steps in addressing violence is to talk about it and acknowledge the sad but prevalent role it plays in our community, our families, and our relationships. We are passionate about not just raising awareness but supporting people to have the language, skills, and confidence to reach out for help and call out poor behaviors, as well as support their friends and families and raise future generations without violence.

WANGARATTA

MARATHON

At the 2023 Wangaratta Marathon, we forged a meaningful partnership with the Wangaratta Rovers Under 18 Football Club. Draped in our 'everyone deserves to feel safe' t-shirts, our presence was both prominent and purposeful.

This demonstration underscored our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of respect, both on and off the field, making our message clear to the community.

Family Violence & Sexual Support Services Client Demographics

At CAV diversity is embraced and celebrated. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or individual needs, deserves a safe and welcoming space to access the support they require. Our rooms are thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere of comfort and security, ensuring that all clients feel at ease. Our dedicated staff members are extensively trained to foster inclusion and cultural awareness. For those who require translation services or specialised assistance, our team is ready to provide the necessary support.

10%

Culturally &

Linguistually Diverse

11%

First Nations

Peoples

84%

Female

Clients

15%

Male

Clients

1%

Trans & Gender

Diverse

FAMILY VIOLENCE & ACCOMMODATION SERVICES

One of our team’s significant achievements was our alignment with the Crisis Care Model, in preparation for the statewide rollout due in August 2023. This signifies our commitment to delivering efficient and comprehensive crisis care services to those in need.

27% increase

in clients from

2021/22

418

Clients

(Support Periods Open)

113

High Risk Clients

Supported

103

Provided with Crisis Accommodation

2019

Crisis Accommodation Bednights

299

After Hours

Callouts

-17%

Below expected target

197%

Above expected target

390%

Above expected target

74%

Above expected target

162%

Above expected target

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT SERVICES &

HARMFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS PROGRAM

442 Clients

Supported

Our team of dedicated & passionate counsellor advocates continue to provide a valuable response to those in our community impacted by sexual violence. We have a diverse team with incredible therapeutic skillsets that enable them to ensure they are able to provide a tailored response to meet the needs of victim survivors & their families.

31.7%

Past Sexual Assault

24.6%

Non-Offending Parent

Support

21.7%

Recent Sexual Assault

(>12 months)

15.2%

Childhood Sexual Assault

6.5%

Related Person Support

(sibling, partner etc)

The following dara is approved by the Ovens Murray Hub.. Lets talk about TOD and how it works in a few sentaces. Centre Against Violence had 7 staff based at The Orange Door locally.

The Orange Door network is the intake and assessment point for:

• adults, children and young people who are experiencing family violence
  
• families who need support with the care and wellbeing of children and young people
  
• perpetrators of family violence.
  

The Orange Door provides a safe and accessible support for people to ensure their voices are heard and their support needs and goals are responded to.

Our team of specialist family violence practitioners work within an integrated team of other specialist services to provide a centralised intake & assessment point for people seeking support in relation to family violence & family services. They are dedicated to ensuring that clients are assessed and then linked with the services that are able to provide a tailored service response.

THE ORANGE DOOR

The Orange Door network is the intake and assessment point for; adults, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence, families who need support with the care and wellbeing of children, young people, and perpetrators of family violence.

The Orange Door provides a safe and accessible support for people to ensure their voices are heard, and their support needs and goals are responded to.

3138

Adults

4372

Number of Referrals in

2603

Children

4372

Number of Unique Clients

6988

Number of Cases Created

12.6%

First Nations Peoples

CARING DADS PROGRAM

Caring Dads is Australia’s first evidence-based behaviour-change program, helping fathers who have used violence to improve their relationship with their children. Caring Dads supports better parenting practices and a reduction in violence to enhance the safety and well-being of children. It seeks to develop fathers’ ability to engage in respectful, non-abusive parenting with the mothers of their children. The program recognises the importance of making fathers equally accountable for their behaviour’s and for their children’s well-being.

Caring Dads includes family contact as a critical component of the program. In this component, all parent/carers who are co-parenting with the fathers in the group are contacted by the Caring Dads program on a regular basis if they want to. During these contacts, parent/carers are provided with:

• Information about Caring Dads, like content, duration, and requirements.
• Educational resources about parenting and related topics.
• Referrals to support and advocacy services.
• Immediate safety planning if necessary.

During family contact, co-parents are encouraged to share information they feel is important with the case/manager for the family. The main goal of these contacts is to help co-parents using empowering interventions.

42

Referrals

9

Dads completed

the program

11

Family Members

Supported

In October 2022, we were excited to move to our brand-new premises in Wodonga. At our new location, we prioritised client comfort, and our beautiful rooms are designed to create an inviting, safe and calm atmosphere. Our new home allows us to provide exceptional services in a space that supports our team and our clients.

PEOPLE & CULTURE REPORT

With the rollout of a new human resource information management system, People and Culture had a successful year in 2022/23, efficiently filling and maintaining positions. We also initiated a staff psychological safety survey to create a baseline for improvement and ensure staff feel supported throughout their employment. The survey results will guide our ongoing efforts to enhance the employee experience.

1

New HR employee Management System

51

Awesome Staff

Members

101

Professional

Development Opportunities

490

Combined years of

Experience in

the Industry

Our employee survey showed the following results...

93%

feel they can be a true

version of themselves

at work

73%

feel they can make

mistakes without fear

that their co-workers

will hold it against them

98%

feel their team leader

values their ideas

even if they are

different to the group’s

feel people in their team frequently coordinate with other team members to meet organisational and clients’ objectives

At CAV, we highly value our employees and want to make sure they feel valued and supported. One way we achieve this is through our internal events, which celebrate diversity and culture. This includes activities for LGBTQIA events like Wear it Purple Day, mental health awareness days like R U OK Day, and cultural celebrations like Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week.

BE COMPASSIONATE

In 2022, we were thrilled to unveil our exciting rebranding efforts. We embraced a fresh and dynamic look that reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a safer world. Our new brand features a streamlined logo, a vibrant color palette, and an easy-to-read font.

Our website is now more user-friendly and responsive, ensuring a seamless experience for all.

We also updated our brochures and social media to better convey our mission and values, making us recognisable across the sector.

With the addition of a dedicated community engagement and communications officer, our organisations social media engagement & website visitation has had significant growth since June 2022.

1.6K%

Increase in

Website Views

3.9K%

Increase in

Website Visitors

428%

Increase in

Facebook Followers

932%

Increase in

Facebook Reach

957%

Increase in

LinkedIn Followers

55%

Increase in

Instagram Followers

13.4K%

Increase in

Instagram Reach

2.3K%

Increase in

Tik Tok Followers

In this financial year, we had three newly funded positions that have made a significant impact on our organisation, strengthening partnerships, improving service delivery, and addressing critical issues in our community. These included...

Community Connections Project Coordinator: Our Community Connections Project Coordinator has played a pivotal role in enhancing our connections with partner organisations, particularly in rural areas. Their active involvement in over 20 network committees has strengthened our collaboration across the sector. They also successfully created community partnership events with more than 16 organisations, significantly improving our presence in rural communities.

Family Violence Motel Project Coordinator: At the Centre Against Violence, our Family Violence Motel Project Coordinator has been instrumental in our organisation. They've been a key contributor to the statewide motel project, prompting us to reconsider our motel and hotel accommodation utilisation methods. This project has given us a space to enhance our service delivery in the future.

Disability and Family Violence Practice Leader: In May 2023, we achieved a significant milestone by securing funding for a 2-year Disability and Family Violence Practice Leader position. This accomplishment shows our dedication to enhancing our services for clients and families affected by disabilities. Through an extensive recruitment process, we successfully identified and appointed a qualified professional to fill this crucial role. The Disability and Family Violence Practice Leader currently plays a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards better practices, innovative strategies, and improved support.

In addition to our regular funding, CAV has received grants and philanthropic donations that have enabled us to expand our activities in the prevention and advocacy space.

We have formed partnerships with the Kyamba Foundation, GOTAFE, the Rural City of Wangaratta and The Wangaratta Art Gallery to launch a year-long art project for victims and survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault. The exhibition was launched in August 2023.

CAV has also received donations from fundraising events from organisations such as the Border Belly Dance and Sheilas Shakedown.

To further our prevention efforts, we have secured grant funding from Garry Nash & Co - Into Our Hands Foundation, the Wodonga Council and the Wangaratta RSL for prevention workshops that will be conducted in the 2023/24 financial year.

In 2022/23 we embedded the new Corporate Services Team structure which incorporated finance, procurement, information technology, occupational health and safety, quality compliance, asset management and our support functions. We have continued to work on streamlining our processes and procedures to ensure we are efficient and utilising our funding accordingly.

We moved into our new purpose designed office in Wodonga and commenced working with designers and builders for the new Wangaratta Office. These facilities will provide an enhanced working environment for our clients and our staff.

We continued to refine our financial operations to meet the changing reporting expectations of our teams and funding bodies in an efficient and effective way. We remained financially viable by generating an operating surplus, matching the timing of funding received with the timing of our services, whilst maintaining a strong balance sheet.