- Expressions of interest called for delivery of South West men's behaviour change program for perpetrators of family and domestic violence
- Program will support accountability and behaviour change for men who use coercive, controlling and abusive behaviour in their intimate and family relationships
Eligible organisations can now express their interest in delivering a new men's behaviour change program in the South West which aims to stop family and domestic violence at the root cause.
The men's behaviour change program in Bunbury will provide timely, evidence-based services to men who use coercive, controlling and abusive behaviour in their intimate and family relationships.
The program's primary focus is creating safety for partners, children and family members who may have been subject to the perpetrator's violence and abuse.
This is achieved by seeking to change perpetrators' underlying attitudes, values and beliefs that can lead to violence, increasing monitoring of coercive and abusive behaviour, and working directly with victim-survivors to help plan for their safety.
The program will further strengthen family and domestic violence (FDV) responses in the region which include the Innovative Perpetrator Response trial that commenced in March with the recruitment of a men's worker to the local Family and Domestic Violence Response Team.
In November, the Cook Government committed $3.1 million over two years for three new men's behaviour change programs, including one in the South West,as part of a $72.6 million family and domestic violence package announced during last year's 16 Days in WA campaign.
Men's behaviour change programs will also be established in Northam and Albany.
The Cook Government has since announced further investment of $96.4 million in the 2024-25 State Budget towards initiatives that prioritise the safety of victim-survivors.
The Budget package was informed by the work of the historic Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce. Formed in September last year, the taskforce was established to help guide the next phase of the State's commitment to addressing FDV.
Any men who are concerned about their behaviour towards others, or men who are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence, can contact the Men's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 559.
Eligible organisations can seek more information at Tenders WA: Tenders WA | Display Tender DOC202413762
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"There is never any excuse for violence. Supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence is the Cook Government's highest priority.
"Perpetrators must be held accountable for their behaviour and those who want to change should be given the opportunity to do so.
"Our Government will continue to explore every available option to improve safety for those impacted by family and domestic violence."
As stated by the MLA Bunbury Don Punch:
"Men's behaviour change programs are an important intervention to break the cycle of abuse.
"The delivery of this program to Bunbury is a crucial part of the Cook Government's commitment to improving the safety of those impacted by family and domestic violence.
"I encourage local service providers with expertise in this area to apply."
