Development of a FDV Strategy for an AOD treatment provider in Western Australia
Tracks
Monarch Room - In-Person Only
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
Overview
James Hunter, Cyrenian House
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. FDV and AOD issues are intersecting issues and it is impossible to provide an effective AOD treatment service without understanding the issue of FDV.
2. Effectively responding to FDV issues as an AOD treatment provider does require a multifaceted strategy that has a focus on developing the knowledge and capacity of workers, as well as providing a effective policy framework for the response to the issue.
3. The opportunity to respond to FDV issues in AOD treatment is different across different treatment cohorts and treatment settings. For example significantly more intensive and holistic work and outcomes can be achieved in an all-female residential setting as opposed to an outpatient counselling service.
1. FDV and AOD issues are intersecting issues and it is impossible to provide an effective AOD treatment service without understanding the issue of FDV.
2. Effectively responding to FDV issues as an AOD treatment provider does require a multifaceted strategy that has a focus on developing the knowledge and capacity of workers, as well as providing a effective policy framework for the response to the issue.
3. The opportunity to respond to FDV issues in AOD treatment is different across different treatment cohorts and treatment settings. For example significantly more intensive and holistic work and outcomes can be achieved in an all-female residential setting as opposed to an outpatient counselling service.
Speaker
Mr James Hunter
Chief Operating Officer
Cyrenian House
Development of a FDV Strategy for an AOD treatment provider in Western Australia.
Abstract
Organisations providing AOD treatment services are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to instances of FDV. Given the high prevalence of FDV among individuals with substance use issues, AOD services have a responsibility to consider how they can best contribute to the response to this issue.
This presentation will outline the process of developing Cyrenian House's first Family and Domestic Violence Strategy. This strategy was developed throughout 2025, and included input from consumers, front line staff, and the management team drawing on contemporary evidence in the area. The Strategy comprises 31 actions across six components, including policy development, training, integrated treatment approaches, and partnerships and collaboration. It also includes a component on responding to FDV issues disclosed by staff.
The decision to develop a strategy for the organisation was in response to a growing awareness and understanding of the intersection of FDV and AOD issues, as well as several recent significant FDV issues involving consumers and our staff. This led to a realisation that the organisation was not adequately equipped to respond to the issue.
The presentation will explore some of the key aspects and challenges encountered during the development of the FDV strategy, including how to best understand the role of an AOD treatment provider in responding to both victim-survivors and perpetrators of FDV. Implications for this role in various treatment settings such as residential and outpatient settings are explored also.
As well as outlining the process of its development the presentation will outline the key areas and actions of the FDV strategy itself. A key objective of the presentation is to encourage other AOD treatment providers to develop their own strategy in response to this important issue.
This presentation will outline the process of developing Cyrenian House's first Family and Domestic Violence Strategy. This strategy was developed throughout 2025, and included input from consumers, front line staff, and the management team drawing on contemporary evidence in the area. The Strategy comprises 31 actions across six components, including policy development, training, integrated treatment approaches, and partnerships and collaboration. It also includes a component on responding to FDV issues disclosed by staff.
The decision to develop a strategy for the organisation was in response to a growing awareness and understanding of the intersection of FDV and AOD issues, as well as several recent significant FDV issues involving consumers and our staff. This led to a realisation that the organisation was not adequately equipped to respond to the issue.
The presentation will explore some of the key aspects and challenges encountered during the development of the FDV strategy, including how to best understand the role of an AOD treatment provider in responding to both victim-survivors and perpetrators of FDV. Implications for this role in various treatment settings such as residential and outpatient settings are explored also.
As well as outlining the process of its development the presentation will outline the key areas and actions of the FDV strategy itself. A key objective of the presentation is to encourage other AOD treatment providers to develop their own strategy in response to this important issue.
Biography
Mr Hunter has been the Chief Operating Officer at Cyrenian House for the past 8 years, overseeing the organisation's range of residential, withdrawal and non-residential treatment services. Prior to this James had spent over 20 years working in State and Commonwealth Government's in various roles focused on health and community services commissioning and funding. James started his career as a front-line child protection worker and has qualifications in psychology, leadership and management, and governance.
