$3.1 million invested by State Government for three new men’s behavioural change programs to combat DV

The Great Southern, South West and Wheatbelt are set to receive $3.1 million in funding over two years to combat domestic and family violence through men’s behavioral change programs. The funding is part of a $72.6 million package to combat domestic and family violence announced by the State Government in November last year during the 16 Days in WA campaign. The programs are aimed at providing assistance and counseling services to men who use abusive techniques like coercion and control in family and domestic settings and relationships. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the programs were an important intervention to break the cycle of abuse. “The Cook Government is exploring every available option to improve safety for those impacted by family and domestic abuse,” she said. “We will continue to work closely with the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce to build on the State’s commitment to addressing what is a scourge on society — not just in Western Australia, but across the nation.” The establishment of the programs in the three regions will begin to address service gaps in the areas and accompany existing victim support service offerings. The 16 Days in WA 2023 campaign focused on highlighting the different forms of abuse and violence that can occur within family relationships. Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said she was pleased behavioural change programs were being invested in for the Great Southern by the Government. She said it would give people the opportunity to “change their ways” and access the services “closer to home”. “The need for men’s behavioural change programs has been raised with me by local family and domestic violence service providers, so I’m very pleased to see that the Government has listened and is taking action,” she said. The programs are to be run by local service organisations with tenders to open in the coming months. Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 559.