By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
WAITING lists for family violence programs for men are mirroring Casey’s high domestic abuse rates.
Casey Family Violence Unit head Sergeant Ian Lane said waiting lists for some men’s behavioural change programs (MBCP) in Casey are at seven to eight months.
“That means we have to wait up to eight months to even start to see a change in the behaviours of men,” Sgt lane said.
“Casey is number one for repeated incidents of family violence in the state – and changing men’s behaviour is key.”
South-east Melbourne, Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) manager Erika Owens said their change programs are in high demand in Casey.
“We offer a 14-week structured program for men who have been violent and controlling towards their family and now want to change,” Ms Owens said.
The RAV programs run out of locations in Narre Warren and Dandenong and this financial year 175 men have been through the program.
Ms Owens said an increasing proportion of men attending RAV’s user pays programs are being directed through the courts.
“Our program involves participants who are voluntarily attending as well as participants who have been directed to an MBCP through a court order,” she said.
RAV’s programs are subsidised by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) but participants must contribute $20 per session.
However RAV makes concessions.
“RAV does not refuse entry into MBPCs if participants are unable to pay the program fee,” Ms Owen said.
“In these cases, RAV will discuss the individual circumstances with the client.”
Ms Owen didn’t comment on RAV waiting lists but said the high demand in Casey was dealt with via “periodic intake periods”.
“When intake is opened enough names are usually taken within three weeks to fill a group,” she said.
“Where an MBCP group does not have capacity for additional participants, RAV works to provide men with various options that will assist them to engage with services in a timely fashion.”
In response to Sgt Lane’s comments regarding hefty waiting times Ms Owen said: “With the issue of family violence now receiving the attention it deserves, it is likely that the demand for services will also be intensified.”
