At the heart of family harm

An interagency approach to effectively manage family harm and violence is at the heart of what Toni Velenski does on a daily basis.

Family Violence Interagency Response System (FVIARS) is a model focusing on reducing family harm. It is a collaborative approach where agencies and providers work together to help families who have reported family harm.

As the FVIARS coordinator, Toni works closely with multiple agencies including government and not-for-profit organisations to provide wrap-around support for whānau and individuals affected by family harm.

Covering Central Otago and the Lakes District, including Queenstown, each week selected professionals review instances of family harm and look within the community at what support or resources are available that can be put in place, if required. At the core of these reviews is the voice and privacy of the whānau, this being central to any planning or support that is provided.

Toni explains, “As privacy is a cornerstone of our work, it’s important that the information shared with the group is appropriate and discussed sensitively within the relevant legislation.”

The FVIARS model aims to achieve these long-term outcomes:

Increased confidence to report episodes of family harm earlier
Reduction in family harm
Reduction in serious harm
Reduced re-offending and re-victimisation

As well as helping whānau harmed through family harm, Toni also plays a role in highlighting that family harm occurs in all communities.

“It is typically not talked about much in public, but family harm is happening everywhere. By talking to groups, other professionals, GPs and the wider community, shining a light on the subject and how it can be dealt with is an important part of my role.”

“With the right supports in place and providing a coordinated, wrap-around service, we can bring together multiple professionals who will support whānau so they can begin to rebuild their lives.”