During the start of 2021 I was contacted by a colleague who works with the RFVP. This is the local government body that works with family violence services. They had just won a grant to develop a short drama film that showed the inner workings of the information-sharing scheme, and how it can potentially save lives.
This was a challenge. The goal was to balance the important information and processes that needed to be included in the film, with the drama and conflict that makes it a drama.
The resulting screenplay walks this line very well. It is currently in production, although COVID lockdowns mean the shoot dates keep moving so I can’t tell you when it will be done.
Written by Joel Loxton
The RFVP provides leadership, advocacy and specialist expertise to strengthen, integrate and improve the family violence system and help end family violence across the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR). The EMR covers the two Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) areas of Inner Eastern Melbourne and Outer Eastern Melbourne encompassing the seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Boorondara, Monash, Manningham, Whitehorse, Maroondah, Knox and Yarra Ranges.
The RFVP has representation from specialist family violence services as well as broader cross-sector organisations and alliances whose work intersects with family violence response, early intervention and prevention. RFVP members are leaders active in strengthening the family violence system and ending family violence in the EMR.
