This service is the first residential men’s behaviour change program in the southern hemisphere, funded by the Department of Communities (Child Protection and Family Support Services).
The program commenced operations as an alternative to removing women and children from their family home, and supports men’s learning to understand and take responsibility for their violence, anger and abuse.
Communicare Breathing Space is available to all men who have been abusive with their intimate partner or family relationship and are ready and willing to make long-term behavioural changes.
The structured program provides participants with approximately six months accommodation while they undertake an intensive therapeutic program including group work, individual counselling and case management which allows them to take the opportunity to reflect and be accountable for their behaviour and the choices they have made.
This holistic approach includes family and domestic violence comorbidity with alcohol and other drugs; mental health; homelessness and parenting.
The Benefits of Communicare Breathing Space
- Our Communicare Breathing Space program aims to maximise the safety of all women and children by providing residents:
- Opportunities to reflect and be accountable for their behaviour and the choices they have made.
A structured program which supports and encourages learning, offers alternatives and assists men’s capacity in understanding and taking responsibility for their violence, anger and abuse. - An environment where access to information assists to develop positive strategies to resolve their difficulties
- Referrals and links to services that meet the needs of each individual participant
- An extended support service, counselling and assistance post the completion of the six month program for sustained behaviour change
