Funding for men’s early intervention program
The state government has announced funding for a key early intervention program aimed at men concerned about their behaviour.
The Don’t Become That Man program, run by OARS Community Transitions, will receive more than $700,000 over three years.
Don’t Become That Man provides a telephone hotline, live web chat service and counselling services over the phone, face-to-face or virtually.
Early intervention initiatives aim to change the trajectory for individuals who may be at a higher risk of perpetrating or experiencing violence.
The Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, released in 2021, heard several submissions calling for more funding for early intervention initiatives, specifically those in diverse communities.
OARS Community Transitions CEO Leigh Garrett said the group was “pleased to receive this significant funding to consolidate our Don’t Become That Man Service and keep women in South Australia safer”.
You might like
“Solutions to tackling the unacceptable prevalence of violence against women must involve addressing the violent actions of perpetrators as early as possible,” Garrett said.
“Don’t Become That Man will operate in harmony with the OARS CT Time Out for Treatment Programme and the Collaborative Intervention Programme in partnership with KWY Aboriginal Corporation.”
The Aboriginal Domestic Violence Youth Worker Program from KWY Aboriginal Corporation has also received $75,000 of funding.
KWY’s program offers one-on-one support and case management aimed at young people, in an attempt to help them understand the impact of violence, take accountability and develop tools needed to change their behaviour.
Stay informed, daily
One in three women have experienced physical violence by a partner, other known person or stranger since the age of 15, while one in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since 15.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard said the “ongoing prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence is utterly unacceptable and a call to action”.
“That action must include challenging and shifting gender inequality and associated disrespectful and harmful attitudes and behaviours toward women,” she said.
“KWY Aboriginal Corporation and OARS Community Transitions walk with mento change their attitudes and behaviours and end the cycle of domestic, family and sexual violence.”
CEO of the KWY Aboriginal Corporation Craig Rigney welcomed the funding.
“Early intervention is crucial in addressing the root causes of domestic, family and sexual violence,” he said.
“At KWY, our trauma informed, culturally responsive practice is integral in having robust conversations to support young people understand accountability, respect and responsibility.”
Men in South Australia concerned about their behaviour can contact Don’t Become That Man on 1300 243 413 or the national Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
