New facility aims to change violent men

THE State Government is funding a new service in Maylands for men who want to address their domestic violence issues.

The service, delivered by Communicare, is called Breathing Space and aims to provide a residential service for men who have been violent in family relationships but want to change.

Because the service is residential, the victims of the violence can remain in the family home.

The six-bedroom facility in Maylands will accommodate up to nine residents at a time and follows from Breathing Space’s first residential space in Calista.

Men will have access to intensive therapeutic support including group work, individual counselling and case management.

“Breathing Space provides an opportunity for men to take responsibility for their use of violence and abuse,” Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk said.

“This program makes the perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their behaviour and provides the support they need to change – this is good for men who want to change and the people in their lives.

“Wherever it is safe to do so we want women and their children to be able to stay in their home, in their community and close to their support networks.

“Behaviour change for perpetrators of domestic violence is a lifelong commitment.

“It requires an understanding and challenging of their unhealthy attitudes toward women, violence, power and control and a willingness to implement the life-changing tools from the program.”