Ian Cairns introduced Donna Wynters.
Donna spoke about Family Violence and the Men's Behaviour Change Program which is run by Brophy. The aim of the program is to promote the safety of women and children, whilst holding men accountable for their use of violence and challenging their beliefs and attitudes.
Men's Behaviour Change is a group work program for men who want to change their controlling behaviours and become better men, partners and fathers. Participants attend 18 2-hour sessions where the themes of Power and Control, illustrated through the Violence Wheel below, are addressed.
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Men can self-refer to the program or may be diverted from the courts or DHS. Brophy also cold-call men who have been involved in a family violence incident in which police have attended, and invite them to join the program. The only requirement is that men who wish to join the program show some level of responsibility for their actions.
While further research is needed, early evidence is that the program is having significant impact on participants with 65% reporting no or very little violence in the 2 years since completing the program.
Rotarians showed a keen interest in Donna's talk with a number of questions being asked.
Ian thanked Donna and issued her with a certificate and badge in recognition of her presentation.