The organisation No to Violence says the timing is ‘horrendous’ after it was announced a violent male counselling program in Ballarat would cease.
From July 1st, the Magistrates Court of Victoria will end its Court Mandated Counselling Order Program, which requires men who use family violence to attend behaviour change programs.
In a statement, the court says the current counselling program is unable to deliver at the scale required to best support behaviour change where it is most needed.
The service is run by Cafs in Ballarat, with around 120 local men taking part each year.
CEO at No to Violence, Phillip Ripper, says it’s unbelievable the decision would be made at this time.
“Apparently there are moves afoot to do something, [but] no-one knows what those plans are or how they will ensure women and children are protected and men get the support they need,” he said.
“We’re calling on the courts to roll over the existing contracts for Ballarat and to work with the providers of these important services to find solutions and to ensure continuity and safety for women and children and pathways out of violence for men.”
CEO of Cafs, Wendy Sturgess, says the service not being extended potentially puts women and children at further risk.
“When men are in this program, we have eyes across them. We get to know what’s going on in their lives, and without those eyes across these men we will not have that ability to add to women’s safety.”
“We’re facing a national family violence emergency, and in Ballarat there’s been a spotlight on the alleged murders, and to deliver this news is so out of tune with where we need to be,” she said.
