$3.1 million men’s behavioural change program to launch in January to combat domestic violence in regions

A $3.1 million campaign to combat domestic and family violence through men’s behavioural change programs in the Great Southern, South West and Wheatbelt will launch on January 1, 2025. Anglicare WA has been awarded the contracts to run the programs in Albany and Bunbury with Stronger Families Foundation. The Albany program will be supported by Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation, and the Bunbury program will be supported by Breakaway Aboriginal Corporation and Waratah Support Centre. The funding for the campaign is part of a $72.6 million package announced in November last year during 16 Days in WA. Communicare in partnership with Kaata-Koorliny Employment and Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation will deliver the program in Northam. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the support of perpetrators is “critical” in ending family and domestic violence. “We want to end the violence before it starts and part of that is supporting perpetrators to be not only held to account, but to ensure that we have the supports in place so that they can change their ways,” she said. “Ultimately what that means is woman and children are safer, and men are supported to change their ways right here in Albany.” Ms Winton said perpetrator support for behavioural change is essential in ensuring the end of the family and domestic violence. “We are seeing more women come forward to seek support, but equally we’re also being successful in getting men to self reflect on their own behaviours and seeking supports,” she said. “Ending family domestic violence is a complex thing — we need to continue to support victim survivors, but we also want to stop the violence before it begins, and the best way to do that is to support men in changing their ways.” The behavioural change program will contain group and individual work, while also working with men’s partners to offer support. Albany Anglicare service manager Carol Pearce said a program for men’s behavioural change has been needed in the region “for a while”. “Family domestic violence has quite profound and long-term impacts on women and children when we’re talking to gender-based violence,” she said. “Men’s behaviour change is a very important tool in the kit of addressing family violence in our community and looking to address those long-term impacts from family violence over time and to reduce the family violence numbers in our area. “The program is an opportunity for people who choose to use violence to change their behaviour, to build skills, to develop healthy relationships and respectful relationships, and also to be held accountable for their behaviour.” If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.