Level 3 tools—Multi-agency risk assessment and safety management

The Level 3 tools (PDF) (or DOCX) support participating agencies in the multi-agency response to bring information together to build a more detailed view of the risk presented to a victim-survivor. The tools help to identify any additional risks not known when the Level 2 assessment was undertaken, or where factors have and continue to change.

These tools should only be used when a Level 2 risk assessment or other initial risk assessment has been undertaken, and a case has been referred to a multi-agency team for risk and safety management.

An integrated or multi-agency response to DFV connects agencies and allows for collaboration on strategies to enhance a victim-survivor’s safety. A multi-agency response is better able to address the victim-survivor’s holistic needs and is considered best practice, particularly where a victim-survivor is deemed to be at imminent risk of serious harm or lethality.

Under an effective multi-agency response, there is:

• a reduction in secondary (system-created) victimisation by limiting the need for victim-survivors to repeatedly recount their story
• increased person using violence (PuV) accountability
• the use of a common language of risk between agencies
• cohesive, consensus-based responses
• cost-effectiveness through minimising duplication of services
• formalised information sharing between agencies.

For more information, refer to the Level 3 tools fact sheet.

Watch the below introductory video about the Level 3 tools, which includes information on how to use the Level 3 tools, how the tools fit within the Integrated Service Systems Framework, and worker safety.

Who should use the Level 3 tools

The Level 3 tools are designed to be used by coordinated multi-agency response teams, including High Risk Teams. The Level 3 tools should only be used by people with experience working in DFV and with a strong understanding of DFV-informed practice.

When to use the Level 3 tools

The Level 3 tools are specifically designed to support multi-agency response teams where the victim-survivor is assessed to be at imminent risk of serious harm or lethality. The Level 3 tools support multi-agency response teams to:

• proactively share and gather information on DFV risk, including by building a shared understanding of a person’s DFV risk with other support agencies
• actively monitor DFV risk and respond to changes in risk levels through adjusting risk management activities and safety plans
• plan and undertake relevant risk management activities—with victim-survivors and other agencies contributing to the multi-agency response—to ensure the overall safety and security of the victim-survivor.

How to use the Level 3 tools

Step 1: Level 2 referral and tools

The multi-agency team coordinator receives the referral, reviews the Level 2 risk assessment form to ensure all relevant information is provided, and provides the victim-survivor with any urgent referrals where necessary.

Step 2: Level 3A tool

The multi-agency team coordinator transfers information to the Level 3A tool and submits requests for information (RFI) to other agencies contributing to the multi-agency response.

Step 3: Level 3A tool

Multi-agency team meets either in person or by phone.

Step 4: Level 3A tool

Agencies contributing to the response update the Level 3A tool with their RFIs and discuss safety strategies and key actions for each agency.

Step 5: Level 3B tool

Multi-agency follow-up meetings are scheduled as necessary and the Level 3B tool is used to review ongoing risk level and the multi-agency response.

Step 6: Level 3C tool

Once the case is no longer being actively managed by the multi-agency response team, the Level 3C case summary and closure tool is completed.