Family Violence Counselling Programs
All family violence programs offered by Child and Family Services to men who use violence, operate on the principal that the safety of women & children is the priority. Programs are required to asses the safety of women & children associated with men involved in the programs along with the safety of the men participating.
Family Violence Court Counselling Program:
Family Violence Courts in Ballarat and Heidelberg have access to counselling services for men who are subject to an Intervention Order due to their violent and controlling behaviours towards family members. These men may be required to attend the counselling service as part of a court order. Referrals to this program come directly from The Family Violence Court.
Men must attend up to 50 hours of counselling that includes assessment interviews, individual counselling and 40 hours of Men’s Behaviour Change group work
The program also offers counselling and support to the women and children of the men involved in the programs.
This is a pilot program funded by the Department of Justice through to the end of 2009.
Family Violence Service Integration
Two Grampians Family Violence Integration Coordinator positions exist in the Grampians Region. One position is based at CAFS and one at Grampians Community Health Service. The positions are designed to support the development and implementation of an Integrated Family Violence system across the region.
The aim is to establish a cooperative, well-functioning service system across all family violence programs, as well as services that interact with family violence programs, such as hospitals, health centres, schools.
Men’s Behaviour Change Program
A program for men who have been violent and controlling towards family members and want to stop this behaviour. The focus is on changing these behaviours to make homes safer for women and children and to assist men develop better relationships that reflect equality & respect. The program is run in partnership with Ballarat Community Health Centre. The program runs a 12 session program combined with an ongoing support group.