Lifeline-Annual-Repo.. - Lifeline Darling Downs

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TheMen'sBehaviourChangeProgram
The Men's Behaviour Change Program commenced in April 2010 in Roma.The purpose of this
program is to provide Domestic & Family Violence counselling, group facilitation and programme
development for men who are or have been engaged in violence within their relationships.This
programisprovidedtothecommunityinpartnershipwithCentacareDomesticViolenceService.The
aim of this program is to work effectively with other relevant service providers, including Roma
Domestic & Family Violence Service, to ensure an integrated response to family and domestic
violence that is demonstrated by clear and consistent referral pathways, protocols and joint local
initiatives.
KeyDevelopments
The"Repair"Programhasbeendevelopedandisaimedatidentifyingandchanginginappropriate
behaviourinpersonalrelationshipsandfocusesonissuessuchas:identifyingabuse,accountability,
making changes, managing emotions and improving communication.The program length is 12
weeks and consists of weekly 2 hour sessions.Group meetings intend to provide support and
encouragement whilst challenging the individual to improve their situation and ultimately help
othersdothesame.
Trends
Considerable negotiations have been carried out with the Indigenous Elders and committee
memberstoascertainwhatserviceswouldbeacceptabletotheirparticularcommunity.
NetworkingwithQueenslandCorrectiveServiceshasalsobeenundertaken.Theoutcomeisthatthe
Men'sBehaviourChangeProgramwillbereferredhighleveloffenderswhoaredomesticviolence
specific.Wehopethatthiswilldeliverthebestpossibleoutcomesfortheclient.
Men's behaviour change groups have been held in Roma, Mitchell, St George, Charleville and
Cunnamulla.
TocaterfortheneedsofclientslocatedintownssuchasMiles,Wandoan,Surat,Taroom,Injune,
Wallumbilla,Yuleba,Meandarra,QuilpieandGlenmorganindividualcounsellinghasbeenprovided
eitherfacetofaceorviatelephone.
Theprogramalsoundertakes arange of other servicesincludingcourtsupport torespondentsas
wellascommunityeducationwithintheSouthWestregion.
Yarnin'Up
The central aim of the Yarnin' Up Program is todevelop, in partnership with key local aboriginal
leadership, culturally appropriate preventative interventions for reducing family and community
violenceinToowoomba.
TheYarnin'UpProgramworkswithAboriginal&TorresStraitmenonmanyissuesincludingculture,
health,lifeskills,socialissuesandlifetrauma.
KeyDevelopments
AYarnin'UpgroupwasdevelopedandofferedtothecommunityinAprilandMay2011withWayne
MartinandPeterDoddactingasfacilitators.