Social development minister launches automated domestic violence case management system

AMMAN — Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa launched the ceremony of the National Tracking System for Family Violence (TSFV), organised by the National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) and in partnership with UNICEF. 

The system aims to enhance national prevention and response mechanisms for domestic violence cases, according to a UNICEF statement.

In her remarks, Bani Mustafa stressed the importance of an integrated approach among ministries, government institutions, and civil society organisations in boosting national protection systems. 

She highlighted that the new system is the result of collective efforts to improve procedures for handling domestic violence cases.

She said that the launch of the automated system is a milestone in advancing national case management processes, reinforced by legislative and procedural developments in social service provision. 

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and its negative social impact, while also ensuring the necessary budgetary allocations for protection services, the minister added.

Bani Mustafa stressed that there is a great opportunity to build on existing achievements, continuously improving mechanisms to facilitate reporting, response, and case management. 

She noted that the system, rooted in a structured case management methodology, will help "effectively" address domestic violence cases, ultimately fostering a safer society and ensuring dignity for vulnerable individuals.

The minister underscored the critical role of training and capacity building for social workers and service providers within the Ministry of Social Development and other institutions. 

She highlighted the importance of professionalising social work through structured training programmes, which will enhance service quality and ensure greater protection for beneficiaries.

Bani Mustafa commended NCFA for its ongoing efforts in supporting at-risk groups and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration in implementing relevant programmes.

NCFA Secretary-General Mohammad Miqdadi stressed that the automation system was developed to meet a national need. It is designed to reflect the national framework for protecting families from violence and outlines procedures that define case management methodologies and the responsibilities of relevant authorities. 

Miqdadi added that this approach aims to enhance service quality and expedite response times by linking all partner institutions, thereby creating a unified case file that documents all information and procedures throughout the response stages.

Following a six-month pilot phase in 2023 involving five institutions in East Amman, the system has been expanded for institutional application. 

The pilot's outcomes led to the development of a governance report assessing system usage, identifying challenges faced by institutions, and establishing foundations and methodologies for effective management and sustainability. A clear definition of roles among parties is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, effective participation and harmony, the statement said.

Miqdadi noted that several institutions have joined to implement the system during the upcoming phase, namely (the Institute for Family Health, the SOS Children’s Villages Jordan, the Justice Centre for Legal Aid, the Tafileh Women Association and the Arab Women's Organisation).

UNICEF Representative to Jordan Philippe Duamelle said that the Tracking System for Family Violence underscores how digital innovation can strengthen child protection systems. 

He added that this is another illustration of Jordan’s efforts and commitment to creating safer environments for children and families, ensuring they receive the care and support they need. The TSFV will allow stakeholders to work together in a more efficient way to ensure timely protection and service provision to vulnerable children.

The national rollout of TSFV marks a pivotal step in Jordan’s role as a Pathfinder Country in the global initiative to end violence against children, a role that was reaffirmed during the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2024.

It also aligns with Jordan’s broader efforts to strengthen national protection systems and fulfil commitments under the National Child’s Rights Law, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to protecting children, families, and vulnerable populations, the statement said.