South Australians at risk of perpetrating domestic violence, and frontline workers who acknowledge someone needs support, will be able to access a new statewide service thanks to a $1.14 million State Government investment. The Statewide Perpetrator Response service will commence today, 1 July 2021, with the aim of bolstering early intervention services.

Following an open and competitive tender process, nationally renowned No to Violence will provide support, counselling and referral pathways for men seeking support for their behaviour. For the first time in South Australia, the service will also provide advice to frontline workers to respond to perpetrators and provide referrals to support. The service will also provide support for relatives, friends and victims of domestic violence.

As part of this new service, No to Violence can make one easy referral for the alleged perpetrator to get the help they need to change, and frontline workers will also be able to sign-up for specialist professional training to help them spot the signs of domestic, family and sexual violence. These frontline workers could also work with families on other issues such as gambling, mental health or substance abuse, and through their work identify the likelihood of violence in the home.

The service is an action from 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 — so 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.

The Statewide Perpetrator Response service is free, confidential and staffed by highly experienced, tertiary-qualified counsellors.

Anyone worried about their behaviour, or the behaviour of a friend of family member, can access support.

Phone 1300 766 491