By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A FAMILY-violence group says men’s behaviour change programs are under-funded in the face of soaring numbers of family violence offenders in the south-east.
The outer south-east and outer south metro regions have the longest waiting lists for behaviour change programs in the state – nearly 300 people waiting up to 11 months as of March.
In a submission to the state Royal Commission into family violence, the group No to Violence argues for state funding for an extra 1000 program places.
The increase would help match the rise in family violence incidents reported to police – up nearly 50 per cent in Casey since 2010, 25 per cent up in Greater Dandenong and 200 per cent in Cardinia.
“Demand pressures will continue to escalate as family violence systems agencies – police, courts, child protection and corrections – continue to improve in their ability to identify, assess and respond to family violence,” No to Violence stated.
Under current constraints, only a “very small” number of men on family violence intervention orders are directed to attend a men’s behaviour change program, No to Violence stated.
It also argues for the program length to be doubled to six months.
“For many men, the journey towards non-violence is long and difficult, and, unfortunately, there are no ‘quick fixes’.
“The work to invite resistant men towards attitudinal, behavioural and personal change is highly specialised and potentially risky if not done carefully.”
Sue Pratt, of LifeWorks Relationship Counselling and Education, said magistrates ordering men to enrol was creating “extensive demand”.
She said she would be surprised if the coming semester’s course wasn’t filled within three days.
LifeWorks family violence co-ordinator Margaret Hodge said course members used to be predominantly voluntary but were now mostly required to attend.
