Research, evaluation and impact
Research and evaluation underpins our work.
An evidence-informed approach to practice and service design involves integrating the best available research and data evidence with practitioner expertise, in the context of client characteristics and need.
The collection of routine outcome measurement and client feedback is embedded in each of our practice frameworks to improve clinical decision-making and effectiveness. We also undertake additional targeted research in areas that affect our clients, through which we aim to inform policy and trends within the sector.
Family Violence Position Paper 2025
Over the past year, Victorians have witnessed an alarming number of high-profile incidents of family violence. How can we understand these incidents and respond appropriately, as a service sector and in the community more broadly?
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has prepared a Family Violence Position Paper to support RAV’s workforce and leadership, as well as those outside our organisation and those working in non-family violence specific programs, in their understanding of family violence, its causes and consequences, and approaches to prevention.
Our impact
We regularly evaluate our programs and services, and we collect and welcome client feedback. Positive outcomes have been reported by the majority of clients accessing our services in the following outcome domains:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Family functioning
- Personal and family safety
- Child wellbeing
- Connection and belonging
Social Impact Report 2024
Following last year’s inaugural Social Impact Report and Theory of Change animation, our Social Impact Report 2024 provides a detailed analysis across a selection of our programs, including:
- family dispute resolution
- Open Place
- men's behaviour change program
- Afghan parents' group.
The Report includes impact stories that illustrate the immediate outcomes for individuals and families, the benefits and cost-effectiveness of our service, and the long-term preventative impact on the community as a whole.
Download our Social Impact Report 2024, or read it on our dedicated Social Impact website below.
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Current projects
We're currently undertaking research and evaluation projects across a range of areas related to family relationships.
Family dispute resolution: A cost-benefit analysis
Explore the findings of our cost-benefit analysis on the economic and social benefits of our family dispute resolution (FDR) services.
Family dispute resolution: What the research says
Through continuous research and evaluation, we continue to refine family dispute resolution (FDR) and demonstrate its profound and positive impact.
Family Violence Position Paper
Our Family Violence Position Paper responds to the latest data on the prevalence and causes of family violence in Australia, and explores different prevention methods.
Our partnership with Yarra Communities that Care®
We participated in a collaborative, place-based approach with Yarra Communities that Care®, to strengthen family relationships in the City of Yarra.
Our dedicated research and evaluation team
Driving collaborative design, development and implementation of our outcome measurements and evaluations.
Presentations, webinars and publications
We're committed to knowledge sharing and contributing to sector-wide continuous improvement. We regularly share our research and evaluation learnings at conferences and events and through webinars and podcasts.
Previous projects
For over a decade, we've conducted a wide range of research and evaluation projects, including major projects funded by the Australian Research Council.
Research and evaluation summaries
These summaries are designed to share the outcomes of key projects and initiatives relating to our services, clients and community needs.
Relationship Indicators 2022
View the results of our nationally representative survey into the state of relationships in Australia.
Strengthening relationships and social connections
Read our 3 new reports as part of our project with the Centre for Community Child Health.