At Emerge, we are committed to advancing practice that responds to the full complexity of women’s and children’s experiences of family violence.
Our harm minimisation model reflects this commitment — a deliberate, evidence-based shift away from traditional zero-tolerance approaches, toward a more compassionate, effective and rights-based way of working.
This approach is outlined in our CEO’s position paper:
Rethinking traditional responses
Historically, many refuges have operated under zero-tolerance policies in relation to alcohol and other drug (AOD) use.
While often grounded in safety concerns, these approaches have had unintended consequences — excluding women who need support most, and in some cases forcing them into an impossible choice between homelessness or returning to violence.
At Emerge, we believe this is not only ineffective— it is unsafe.
A public health approach
Harm minimisation is the nationally recognised public health approach to alcohol and other drug use in Australia.
Rather than focusing on eliminating behaviour, it focuses on reducing harm — recognising that substance use is often connected to trauma, violence, poverty and broader systemic factors.
Our model is:
- Trauma-informed and client-centred
- Non-judgemental and stigma-reducing
- Grounded in safety, not punishment
- Responsive to the realities of women’s lives
It acknowledges that recovery is not linear, and that safety must remain the priority at every stage.
Understanding the intersection
The relationship between family violence and substance use is complex and deeply interconnected.
Research shows that:
- Women experiencing family violence are significantly more likely to use substances
- Substance use can be both a response to trauma and a tool of coercive control
- Up to 75% of women in refuge settings may be managing substance use
In many cases, substance use is not the core issue— it is a symptom of deeper harm.
A harm minimisation approach allows us to respond to that harm more effectively.
Increasing safety, not risk
At its core, harm minimisation is about safety.
It recognises that risk cannot always be eliminated— but it can be reduced through:
- Strong risk assessment and safety planning
- Integrated, multi-agency support
- Access to specialist AOD expertise
- Building trust through non-judgemental engagement
This approach enables women to remain engaged with support services, rather than being excluded at a time of crisis.
A human rights approach
Harm minimisation aligns with our commitment to dignity, respect and equity.
Zero-tolerance approaches can reinforce stigma and discrimination — particularly for women already facing intersecting disadvantage, including trauma, poverty and systemic inequality.
By contrast, harm minimisation recognises that:
- Every woman has the right to access safety and support
- Recovery happens at an individual pace
- Support should empower, not punish
Strengthening recovery outcomes
When women feel safe, respected and supported, they are more likely to engage meaningfully in their recovery.
Our approach supports:
- Increased trust and engagement
- Reduced shame and stigma
- Improved wellbeing outcomes
- Safer, more sustainable pathways out of violence
It is a model grounded not only in evidence — but in what we see working every day.
Leading change in the sector
Emerge’s harm minimisation model is part of our broader commitment to research, innovation and sector leadership.
By challenging traditional approaches and embedding evidence-based practice, we are contributing to a shift in how family violence services respond to complexity — ensuring that no woman is excluded from safety because of the challenges she is navigating.
Because effective support meets people where they are — and walks alongside them toward where they want to be.