Domestic and family violence program targets FNQ men

A new service launched in Cairns today aims to reduce the incidence of domestic and family violence by specifically targeting men.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the Go Forward for Men Perpetrator Program would be operated by Relationships Australia Queensland with funding provided by the Department of Communities.

“It is pleasing to launch a program as targeted as this, particularly as May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Queensland Government is providing triennial funding of $212,000 to Relationships Australia Queensland to implement the Go Forward for Men program.

“The program aims to reduce the impact and the incidence of domestic and family violence by encouraging men to take responsibility for their actions, and to develop alternatives to aggressive behaviour.

“An important focus of this service is delivering the program to Indigenous men residing in and around Cairns, including Yarrabah.”

Mr Pitt said Relationships Australia had initiated partnerships with the Yarrabah community and with relevant Indigenous organisations.

“The new Cairns service has employed two skilled facilitators who will deliver individual and group sessions for men, using Relationships Australia’s Alternatives to Aggression course,” he said.

“A crucial component of the service will be the role of the perpetrator’s partner’s advocate, who will provide support and referrals to appropriate service providers.”

Mr Pitt said Relationships Australia Cairns had already forged strong links with the local police.

“This has led to a memorandum of understanding regarding the Fax Back component of the service, which police can use for domestic violence referrals,” he said.

“I am confident that the new program will be a great success locally.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208