Effective and accurate risk assessment and safety management are critical for identifying and responding to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). Research and evidence repeatedly point to the need for consistency in risk assessments across the service system to ensure robust and integrated safety management.

In its 2017–18 annual report, the DFV Death Review and Advisory Board (DFVDRAB) found agencies and services throughout Queensland were using an assortment of risk screening and assessment tools, leading to inconsistencies in risk identification and responses. The Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence” (PFDV) observed that approaches to the assessment of risk were fragmented across the system, with different language and explanations about risk assessment requirements and processes and a lack of consistency about what risk is being assessed.

In response to recommendation 21 of the WSJT first report, Hear her voice – Report one – Understanding coercive control and domestic and family violence in Queensland, the Queensland Government has released a revised DFV Common Risk and Safety Framework (CRASF) which aims to enhance the safety of victim-survivors through integrated service responses that prevent the escalation and repetition of DFV. The CRASF consists of a suite of risk assessment tools for assessing the safety risk to the victim-survivor and children.