This tool is used by practitioners with MARAM comprehensive responsibilities to support accurate identification of the predominant aggressor/adult using family violence. It can be used by practitioners who work with either victim survivors or adults who use family violence. Please note that housing and homelessness services are not expected to use this tool.
The Predominant Aggressor Identification tool is part of a suite of MARAM Comprehensive Responsibility level practice guidance and tools. It is located within the suite of Adults Using Family Violence MARAM Practice Guides and tools released by Family Safety Victoria in 2022. These MARAM resources have been provided to Specialist Family Violence Services and have not been published on the Whole of Victorian Government MARAM website.
This decision has been made to mitigate the risk of detailed practice information being used to cause further harm to victim survivors, including through systems abuse. SHIP users who will now have access to the Predominant Aggressor Identification tool are asked not to distribute this tool beyond what is required in their practice.
Family Safety Victoria is currently scoping building the Identification and Intermediate MARAM Adult Using Family Violence risk assessment tools into SHIP for use by housing and homelessness services.
MARAM training available
In 2024, Family Safety Victoria will provide standalone predominant aggressor identification guidance for specialists working with victim survivors. These updates will also be incorporated into revised victim-survivor focused MARAM Practice Guides following the 5 Year Evidence Review.
All specialist family violence and homelessness workers are eligible for free MARAM training for working with victim survivors delivered by Safe and Equal. Details can be found at: https://safeandequal.org.au/training-events/maram-courses/
MARAM training for working with adults using family violence is also available and delivered by No to Violence. Details can be found at: https://ntv.org.au/maram-training/
For any questions on the MARAM tools in SHIP, please contact the Tools for Risk Assessment and Management team on tram@familysafety.vic.gov.au