Cultural Conversations for FV/ SV Service Providers: Family Systems, In-law Dynamics & Collective Decision Making

Join us for this interactive one-hour Cultural Conversation exploring the complexities of family systems, in-law dynamics and collective decision making through a cultural lens. In many cultures, family relationships extend beyond the immediate household. Parents, in-laws and extended family members may play significant roles in relationships, parenting, finances, major life decisions and responses to family conflict. For FV and SV practitioners, understanding these dynamics can be important when supporting people from multicultural communities, particularly where family expectations, loyalty, hierarchy, collective responsibility and safety may intersect. Together, we will explore:

• The role of extended family and in-laws within different cultural contexts

• Collective versus individual approaches to decision making

• How family hierarchy, obligation and expectations can influence a person’s choices

• When family involvement may be a source of support — and when it may contribute to pressure, control or risk

• Navigating assumptions about independence, autonomy and “leaving”

• How practitioners can approach these complexities with cultural humility and curiosity 

Through facilitated discussion and lived-experience perspectives, this session creates space to reflect, ask questions and explore how culturally responsive practice can strengthen our work with victim-survivors and families.

Who should attend?
Family Violence and Sexual Violence practitioners, intake workers, case managers, counsellors, advocates, team leaders, managers, and anyone working alongside multicultural communities.

What to expect:
✔ A relaxed, conversation-based learning session
✔ Lived experience insights
✔ Opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and connect with colleagues across the sector

When:
Tuesday, 27 October 2026
12:00–1:00pm (AEST – Melbourne time)

Where:
Online (Zoom link provided after registration)

Cost:
Free — This Cultural Conversations series is proudly funded by the Victorian Government.