Seen, Safe, Supported: A new way to meet the needs of young victim survivors of family violence

Abstract

This report examines gaps in current responses to young people experiencing family violence and proposes a youth-informed service blueprint for reform. It draws on consultations with 10 young people with lived experience, more than 60 specialist family violence practitioners and more than 100 service system stakeholders across Victoria’s Eastern Metropolitan Region, together with national data and desktop research.

The report finds that young people often experience services as difficult to trust, inaccessible, fragmented and adult-centred. They may be excluded from decisions about their safety, face harmful consequences following disclosure and receive short-term support mediated through adults. Family violence also contributes to demand across mental health, housing and homelessness, youth and education services, which often lack specialist capability and clear referral pathways. Young people identified trusted relationships, choice, flexible and sustained assistance, peer-based approaches, and inclusive and culturally safe responses as important.

The Seen, Safe, Supported blueprint is organised around three pillars: building capability to recognise violence towards young people; bringing specialist family violence support into the places and services young people already use; and providing coordinated peer, therapeutic and specialist support that promotes healing and long-term safety. The report calls for youth-centred, developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed practice, stronger service integration, co-design with young people and sustained investment in system reform.