In the immediate wake of domestic and family violence (DFV), the focus is, by necessity, on urgent safety: emergency accommodation, safety planning and legal protection. However, the path to true recovery does not end when the immediate crisis subsides. For many survivors, the period following an intervention is the most vulnerable time, requiring a transition from mere “safety” to “sustained healing.”
Building frameworks that support long-term needs is critical to breaking the cycle of violence. This shift requires moving away from fragmented, one-off interventions and toward integrated, wraparound care that remains present long after the crisis doors have closed.
At the upcoming 3rd National Family Safety Summit, Patricia Gault will present a vital case study: “Sustaining support for victim-survivors beyond emergency interventions.” As the Chief Executive Officer of the Marnin Bowa Dumbara (MBD) Family Healing Centre in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Patricia brings decades of frontline experience to the stage. MBD recently celebrated 30 years of service, a milestone marked by a community gathering of nearly 400 people, underscoring the deep-rooted trust the centre has built.
In her session, Patricia will explore how MBD has evolved from a traditional crisis accommodation model into a comprehensive healing hub. Attendees will learn:
- How to build trauma-informed frameworks that support both staff and clients.
- Strategies for mobile outreach that prioritise prevention over reaction.
- The importance of “wraparound” care in high-risk regional settings where resources are often scarce.
Can you tell us more about the work being done at Marnin Bowa Dumbara (MBD)?
“We’ve been operating for 30 years now. While I oversee a 24-hour crisis accommodation service, we have worked hard to embed additional support like mobile outreach. Our main purpose is prevention; we want to reach families before the crisis hits to mitigate the damage. This year, we also introduced a “programs” work area that runs internal and external therapeutic sessions—everything from social work and counselling to painting and craft therapy. We want to spread awareness through a family lens, not just a specific FDV lens.”
How do you build frameworks for the long-term needs of survivors post-crisis?
“When I first came to MBD, the structure was essentially: bring the women in, do an intake, and provide accommodation. But what happened when they returned home? It wasn’t clear.
I looked at the reasons women were presenting and found complex, deep-seated trauma. To address this, I built a workforce and governance structure—operating under the CATSI Act—that prioritises continuity of care. We also updated our rulebook to ensure we are inclusive of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women. FDV is non-discriminatory; it affects everyone. Our framework is now about building relationships without a crisis being present through community luncheons and art classes.”
How do you manage outreach and check-ins after the initial intervention?
“We view the crisis timeline as three months. During that time, we work to get other agencies involved so the client has a support system. After they leave our accommodation, we provide an additional three months of mobile outreach—phone calls, visits, and internal referrals to our programs team.
We use “soft entries” to keep clients engaged. We stay in touch just like you would check in with a friend: “Hey, what are you doing this weekend? Come join us for this event.” It keeps them connected to a safe space well past the emergency phase.”
How does this “wraparound care” contribute to lasting safety?
“It provides predictability. If we see a client regularly and then suddenly they stop showing up, we know something is wrong. Because we share information internally and collaborate with the police, hospitals, and medical centres, we reduce fragmentation. The client experiences a coordinated system rather than disconnected services. We are strengthening protective factors by teaching them about financial independence, parenting, and the nature of trauma itself. A problem shared is a problem half-solved.”
Don’t miss Patricia Gault’s deep dive into practical, frontline strategies for long-term recovery.
Register now for the 3rd National Family Safety Summit to gain insights into building a healing-focused model that works for your community.
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