Supporting safety, choice and long-term change

Harm minimisation is an evidence-based approach that focuses on:

• Reducing immediate and ongoing risk 
• Supporting safety, even when circumstances are complex 
• Recognising autonomy and individual decision-making 
• Meeting people where they are, without judgement 

Rather than expecting a single pathway out of violence, harm minimisation acknowledges that safety can look different over time, and that consistent, trusted support is key to long-term change.

At Emerge, our harm minimisation approach is embedded across all services by:

• Conducting ongoing risk assessment and safety planning 
• Supporting women to make informed choices about their situation 
• Providing practical support across housing, health, finances and legal needs 
• Maintaining engagement even when circumstances change or risks fluctuate 
• Working alongside both women and children to strengthen safety and wellbeing 

Importantly, we recognise children as victim-survivors in their own right, with specialist children’s case managers supporting their safety, recovery and development.

Family violence is complex and often shaped by systemic barriers, including housing insecurity, financial dependence and limited access to support.

Without flexible, non-judgemental support, many women may feel they have no choice but to return to unsafe environments.

Emerge’s harm minimisation model:

• Supports women to remain safer for longer 
• Reduces re-victimisation 
• Builds trust and engagement over time 
• Creates pathways toward longer-term safety and independence

Emerge’s harm minimisation model reflects best practice in family violence response and is strengthened by our commitment to:

• Trauma-informed, evidence-based care 
• Child-centred practice 
• Integrated service delivery 
• Continuous evaluation and learning 

This approach ensures our work is both responsive to immediate needs and focused on long-term outcomes.