- Cook Government commits $7.47 million to three Breathing Space programs
- Residential men's behaviour change programs support men who use violence against women to build healthy relationships and take responsibility for their actions
- Funding forms part of the $169 million package to strengthen responses to family and domestic violence in WA
The future of a program which supports perpetrators of family and domestic violence to change their behaviour has been secured, with contract arrangements in place for provider Communicare to continue delivering the vital Breathing Space program.
The intervention program helps men who use violence against women to take responsibility for their actions and received a $7.47 million funding uplift in the most recent State Budget.
Communicare currently operates three Breathing Space programs: two in the metropolitan area (Calista and Maylands) and one in South Hedland.
Under the Breathing Space model, accommodation is provided for up to six months for men who use violence, ensuring women and children can stay safe in their own homes while remaining connected with their local support networks.
Men are engaged through counselling and a range of other activities to take responsibility for their use of violent, abusive and coercive behaviours and to develop skills and strategies to change their behaviour.
Central to the program is victim safety, with support and advocacy also provided to ensure victim-survivors are safe and risks associated with the perpetrator are managed.
The funding commitment forms part of the $169 million committed by the State Government - informed by the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce - to strengthen the response to family and domestic violence in Western Australia.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.
"There is never any excuse for violence. Ensuring men who use violence are held accountable for their behaviours plays an important role in breaking the cycle of abuse.
"Men who want to change their behaviour should be given the opportunity to do so.
"The Breathing Space model has shown clear and demonstrated success over many years in addressing and changing the attitudes and behaviours of men who use violence.
"The Cook Government will continue to work hard to keep victim-survivors safe."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Men who choose to use violence must take responsibility for their behaviours and be supported to change their ways.
"I am pleased that Communicare's Breathing Space program in South Hedland will continue to provide this crucial service in our community.
"I'm proud to be part of a State Government that puts the safety of victim-survivors first."
As stated by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker:
"Any form of violence is unacceptable, and it is vital that those who perpetrate violence are held to account.
"Men's behaviour change programs such as Breathing Space ensure perpetrators who use violence can be introduced to positive strategies for long-term change.
"I am happy that the Cook Government is supporting the Breathing Space program in Maylands with this funding."
As stated by Communicare CEO Melissa Perry:
"In 2024 we mark 21 years since our Breathing Space program in Calista opened its doors as the first residential men's behaviour change program in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Taking the man out of the family home allows women and children to stay connected with their local support networks, including schools, healthcare and community services.
"When engaged in the Breathing Space program, participants are engaged in intensive interventions to address the factors contributing to their use of violent, abusive and coercive behaviours. The program helps victim-survivors to have a safer and improved quality of life by supporting the person using violence to be a safer person, partner or father."
