South Australians at risk of perpetrating domestic violence and frontline workers who acknowledge someone needs support can now access a state-wide service.

The Statewide Perpetrator Response service started 1 July, with the aim of bolstering early intervention services.

Following an open and competitive tender process, nationally renowned No to Violence provide support, counselling and referral pathways for men seeking support for their behaviour.

The service provides advice to frontline workers to respond to perpetrators and provide referrals to support and will also provide support for relatives, friends and victims of domestic violence.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink says intervening earlier will help end violence against women and children.

“For the first time, South Australia will fund a service that not only supports perpetrators themselves to change but also supports the case workers on the ground working with at-risk families every day,” she says.

“These frontline workers could also work with families on other issues such as gambling, mental health or substance abuse, and through their work identify or suspect the use of violence in the home.

“Under this new service, No to Violence can make one easy referral for the alleged perpetrator to get the help they need to change and will also be able to sign-up for specialist professional training to help them spot the signs of domestic, family and sexual violence.

“Ultimately, we want less perpetrators to slip through the cracks so we can put an end to utterly unacceptable violence and abuse.”

Carolyn Power, Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, says the service is an action out the state government’s Committed to Safety domestic and family violence framework.

“Currently in South Australia, services for perpetrators are mostly focused on those men already in the justice system – including men’s behaviour change programs and individual counselling,” she says.

“It was important for South Australia to establish its own early support service for perpetrators to break the cycle so we can put an end to violence.

No to Violence Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Watt says the service is free, confidential and staffed by highly experienced, tertiary-qualified counsellors.

“The Statewide Perpetrator Response is here to help. Anyone worried about their behaviour, or the behaviour of a friend of family member, can give us a call on 1300 766 491 to access free, confidential support.” 

“We are excited to establish a South Australian office and share nearly 30 years’ experience of working directly with men who use violence.”

Meanwhile around-the-clock support is available for South Australians who may be experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence at home during the current seven-day lockdown.

Minister Lensink says at-risk South Australians can call the 24/7 DV Crisis Line if they need support.

“We want South Australian women experiencing violence or abuse in their homes to know that they are supported and there is help available if they need it,” she says.

“All critical DV services are continuing and anyone experiencing violence at home, or is feeling threatened or unsafe, can call one of the many available DV hotlines and seek support or Triple Zero in an emergency.

“Even though we’re asking the community to stay at home during this seven-day lockdown, women and their families should know that if they are experiencing violence or abuse at home, they can leave, if they believe it is safe to do so.

At-risk South Australians who need support are urged to call:

DV Crisis Line: 1800 800 098

Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491

RESPECT hotline: 1800RESPECT (737 732)

Break the Cycle

Image by ELG21 from Pixabay