State Government looking for South West organisation to lead program to change men’s behaviour in Bunbury

South West organisations are being asked to put their hand up to lead the fight against family and domestic violence. The State Government last week called for a group to run a program in Bunbury facilitating men’s behavioural change as part of a $3.1 million funding commitment. Expressions of interest are being sought for a South West organisation to run the program. Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the regional city could help lead the change for men’s behaviour in the region. “Men’s behaviour change programs are an important intervention to break the cycle of abuse,” he said. “The delivery of this program to Bunbury is a crucial part of the Cook Government’s commitment to improving the safety of those impacted by family and domestic violence. “I encourage local service providers with expertise in this area to apply.” The service is aimed to hold perpetrators to account and support change to break the abuse cycle while also ensuring victims are safe and supported. According to the expression of interest form the program will “provide perpetrators of family and domestic violence with timely, evidence-based interventions to support accountability and behaviour change” while also prioritising victim-survivor safety. The program has a budget of $500,000 per year, will need to be located in Bunbury and service a one-hour travel distance radius. Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said the program was part of the State Government’s wider commitment to curtailing violence against women. “There is never any excuse for violence,” she said. “Supporting victim-survivors of family and domestic violence is the Cook Government’s highest priority. “Perpetrators must be held accountable for their behaviour and those who want to change should be given the opportunity to do so. “Our Government will continue to explore every available option to improve safety for those impacted by family and domestic violence.” Applications close June 13.