The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor governments are working together to deliver on their shared commitment to addressing family, domestic and sexual violence perpetrator behaviour.
Through the Albanese government’s Innovative Perpetrator Responses program, South Australia is undertaking three projects, utilising Commonwealth funding of up to $3.4 million over five years.
One of the projects will trial providing a mentor to work one-on-one with youth engaged in the KIND Program, which provides early intervention support to adolescents engaged in youth justice who use violence in their intimate partner and family relationships.
The other projects are two scoping studies which will also explore new ways of addressing perpetrator behaviour in South Australia.
Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY), a community-controlled Aboriginal organisation, is set to commence a scoping study to evaluate the effectiveness of existing evidence-based practices for working with Aboriginal men who use violence.
Additionally, Offender Aid Rehabilitation Services (OARS) Community Transitions will explore the development of an online or digital platform to enable men across South Australia to check their behaviours and quickly access interventions.
The Innovative Perpetrator Responses program is funded under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27 and supports Commonwealth and state governments working together to develop innovative ways to address the perpetration of family and domestic violence.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said these projects are the latest in a range of new initiatives aimed at improving women’s safety by intervening early to change boys’ and men’s violent attitudes and behaviours, and preventing violent behaviours from escalating.
“Violence against women is a national shame and we need to address it at the source,” Minister Rishworth said.
“All levels of government recognise that we need to work together to help keep women and children safe by challenging the harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate violence.
“Through our National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children we are determined to identify and support initiatives that prevent and stop violence.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said the mentor trial will build a stronger understanding of what needs to be done to support change the behaviour of adolescents using violence.
“These three projects in South Australia, and over a dozen around the country, will help us understand the most effective ways to address perpetrator behaviour and introduce evidence-based, fit-for-purpose programs and policies going forward,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“It’s critical that we’re talking to young people at key early intervention points, and these trials will work with youth at risk and adults using violence to intervene, support accountability and change behaviour.”
South Australian Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Katrine Hildyard MP, highlighted the importance of innovation in tackling the prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence.
“Our government is absolutely committed to acting to do all that we can to tackle the horror of domestic, family and sexual violence,” Minister Hildyard said.
“Every woman deserves to feel and be safe. To ensure that they are, it is crucial that we deal with the gender inequality which leads to disrespect and violence toward women.
“We know that it is urgent that we do so. For every respectful relationship education program we run, there are individuals and groups online promoting harmful attitudes toward women.
“We are proud to partner with the Federal Government to drive innovation that deals with perpetrator behaviour, helping men to shift harmful attitudes and understand that violence is never an option.”
More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au ,or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.