Approaches to working with men who use violence （如何與使用暴力的男性共事）

The Centre for Non-Violence has been working with an integrated model of service to address family violence since 2008 when a decision was made to move to a model working with male perpetrators of family violence, expanding beyond victim/survivor support. With the key principle of our work being the safety of women and children, the integrated service model enables the service system to be connected to men who use violence with their families in the way which is most appropriate for them.
Commencing with the implementation of the Men’s Behavior Change (MBC) program, CNV has been delivering this 24- week group program, based on the Duluth model for men for ten years. A rigorous assessment process establishes group readiness and suitability, men can commence in an MBC group on a rolling basis, at the start of any of the eight themes. Groups are always co-facilitated by male and female facilitators.
Case management services to men were subsequently developed to provide an option for those men for whom the group program is not suitable. The one to one support provided to men through case management assists men who face barriers to group participation, for example, those for whom English isn’t their first language, those with disabilities, who are homeless or have alcohol, drug or mental health issues.
The impact on children of men’s use of violence in the family, and the need to hear the voices of children in this work, has led to the development of two new pilot programs. The Making aMENds program has been created to provide a targeted option for men who are fathers and who want to work towards reducing their harmful behaviors towards family members and particularly, to understand the impact their behaviors are having on their relationships with their children. Through a research project focused on the response to children, women told us they wanted broader options available for the men in their lives. Male clients supported this.
The Making aMENds program is based on a strong theoretical framework and incorporates narrative practice and restorative elements. The program strengthens the voices of children whilst working with them therapeutically. The key principle of the safety of women and children is supported through a Family Liaison worker, who supports women and their children, as partners or former partners undertake the program.
Through CNV’s partnership with Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC), a further opportunity presented to pilot a program for Aboriginal men who use violence in their family and who are fathers. CNV and BDAC have partnered to build the Healthy Spirits pilot program which includes elements of Making aMENds but incorporates a culturally appropriate approach to the program. Healthy Spirits acknowledges the harm caused to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from colonization and subsequent inter-generational trauma. The program also recognizes the need for a healing process for men that is deeply grounded in traditional culture. The safety of women and children, including extended family remains paramount.