Published on Tuesday, 6 June 2023 at 8:43:22 AM
Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) is proud to announce a new partnership with Stopping Family Violence (SFV) to introduce "We Can Together". This program will bring our Aboriginal men together who are seeking a stronger and healthier relationship with their partners, family, and community. This initiative aims to address family and domestic violence and create a pathway to positive change.
With funding provided by the Department of Communities, GRAMS and SFV have joined forces to pilot a Brief Intervention Program engaging men in change. The program will initially be rolled out in Carnarvon, starting on Tuesday 13 June 2023, with the goal to develop a robust framework for a comprehensive men’s behaviour change program that will be planted in Carnarvon and Geraldton in 2024.
The brief intervention program includes a comprehensive 10 session topics, individual support and community activities to include a ‘On country cultural camp with the men and their sons’. The focus throughout will be on empowering men to challenge and transform behaviours. The Lead Facilitator will be David Batty, Men’s Intervention Co-ordinator at GRAMS and supported by Kyalie Moore, Project Manager at Stopping Family Violence.
L-R: David Batty, Kyalie Moore and Damian Green
GRAMS and SFV are working hand in hand to deliver a well-rounded, culturally sensitive, and tailored program to suit the specific needs of Aboriginal men in Carnarvon. The "We Can Together" program will incorporate spiritual healing practices that acknowledge the spiritual dimensions of individuals involved, providing holistic support throughout their journey towards positive change.
The project will consist of two key phases: the response phase will provide the brief intervention program and the capability phase will build the workforce capacity in Carnarvon. During the response phase, participants will receive immediate assistance and guidance to address their behavioral issues and understand the impact of family violence on their loved ones. The capability phase will focus on building long-term skills and strategies through a series of professional development opportunities for local workforce in the community services sector to strengthen safe engagement, referral and responses to family and domestic violence.
"We are excited about the launch of the 'We Can Together' program in partnership with Stopping Family Violence," said David Batty.
"Family violence has a profound impact on children, shaping their lives in ways we cannot underestimate. Through training, education, and unwavering support, we can empower our community to grow and heal. It's crucial to address the barriers that men face in seeking support, challenging the misconception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Together, we can tackle this challenge head-on, we can create a brighter future for our communities, fostering positive outcomes and a renewed sense of hope,” added David.
"Addressing family domestic violence within Aboriginal communities requires a collaborative approach, with a strong focus on investing in and supporting our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs),” said Kyalie Moore.
“By working together and enhancing the capabilities of our ACCHOs, we can pave the way for meaningful change. That's the way forward," One of the main strengths of this project is to engage with men in community in alternative ways and in place where they or their families are already engaged. This project is a purposeful and deliberate effort to increase capacity and availability. Kyalie emphasized.
GRAMS Chief Executive Officer Deborah Woods expressed her enthusiasm for the program. “I am equally excited about both the partnership and the program for the community of Carnarvon,” said Deborah.
The "We Can Together" men's brief intervention program will consist of 10 sessions, held fortnightly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Carnarvon from Tuesday 13 June. Please note that this program is a closed program, and registration is required to participate. To register or for more information, please email David at david.batty@grams.asn.au
About GRAMS:
Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS) is a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) in Western Australia with clinics in Geraldton, Mount Magnet and Carnarvon. With a commitment to providing culturally appropriate healthcare, GRAMS delivers a range of primary health care services and programs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
About Stopping Family Violence:
Stopping Family Violence (SFV) is the peak body, non-for-profit organisation in Western Australia developed in order to support all the sectors and services involved in responding to perpetrators of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV). Our purpose is to work in partnership with other organisations to put an end to family and domestic violence and create a better future for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
For media enquiries, please contact:
David Batty
GRAMS
Mens Behaviour Change Coordinator
P: 0498 466 792
E: david.batty@grams.asn.au
Kyalie Moore
Stopping Family Violence
Project Manager
P:0437 805 118
E:kyalie@sfv.org.au
Back to All News