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THE united approach by state and federal governments to tackle the social and cultural factors contributing to the cycle of violence in Australia must target behaviours and fund resources on the frontline.
Service delivery manager for the Hastings Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service (HDFVSS), Kylie Dowse, said a united front to instigate a shift in the cultural and social attitudes toward violence in every community will be a step forward in addressing a crisis that continues to take the lives of women across the country.
Specialist police squads targeting domestic violence offenders and perpetrators forced to undergo behaviour change programs will be the centrepiece of a $60 million funding package announced recently.
Our Watch, supported by Fairfax Media, has also announced an Australia-first evidence-based domestic violence framework - Changing the Story - which has set goals of seeing a reduction in violence and an improvement in attitudes by 2022.
The framework presented the latest statistics on violence in Australia. At least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner, one in five Australian women had experienced sexual violence and one in three had experienced physical violence.
Behaviour change programs are already nurturing change on the mid north coast with the Engage 2 Change program in Kempsey and Insight program in Port Macquarie leading the way on this front.
"The Insight program in Port Macquarie-Hastings is a 12 week behaviour change program for men who have used violence and abuse in their relationships," Ms Dowse said.
"The Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Service is one of only six organisations registered to offer these programs, and the only program registered to a women’s service. This ensures the safety of women and children remains central to the program.
"Measures of long term effectiveness are difficult to gauge, and desperately need further research as we cannot monitor relationships 24/7.
"What we do know is the men who have attended the program, although understandably nervous and anxious at first, tell us it has been helpful.
"An integral part of the program is offering support to family members affected by the violence and controlling behaviours. Many women we’ve supported in this way have never contacted a support service, and their stories help us to understand the program is working in unexpected ways.
"Sometimes, this means women finally feel safe enough to leave the relationship. For others, a space is created to talk about their experience and realise it was never their fault. They’re not crazy."
Ms Dowse said while some of the new strategies including GPS tagging violent offenders may seem controversial, the focus must remain on holding violent perpetrators accountable.
"It makes sense to monitor movements by GPS rather than expect literally thousands of women to keep records to try to keep track of breaches," she said.
"I would welcome this initiative in our area. The police have a serious problem with under-resourcing and domestic violence is well documented as the biggest crime they face.
"We are hopeful the introduction of DV High Risk Offender Teams may also support a much needed culture shift within the Police Force. In our local area, it is difficult to expect police to respond well each and every time with limited officers available on any given shift."
The HDFVSS has also submitted an application for federal funding to meet the groundswell of women and men across the region interested in becoming domestic violence first aid officers, trained to provide support to victims particularly in remote and rural areas, until specialist officers arrive.
The program has the support of the Country Women's Association, sporting clubs and community groups across the Hastings.
"It is very encouraging to have representatives from a diverse range of community getting in touch to offer support and genuinely wanting to assist us to tackle domestic violence head on.
"We hope to receive funds in this newly announced State funding as it indicates additional support for Specialist Homelessness Services, which includes us.
"The community is calling for change, they want women and children to be safe. It’s our job to deliver in innovative ways - this is a responsibility we don’t take lightly."
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.