A men's behaviour change program will be set up in Albury in the latest hand out of cash targeting domestic violence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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North East Men's Behaviour Change is one of close to 100 organisations and groups to share in $9 million COVID-19 Domestic and Family Violence Funding - Tranche 2 Grant program funding and will set up the Albury-based service.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said funding by the Federal Government and allocated by the NSW Government will also help to employ a domestic family violence trauma counsellor case manager at the Women's Centre for Health and Wellbeing on the border.
"I have been seeking government support for our domestic family violence programs here in Albury and beyond and was pleased to hold meetings last week in Albury with the Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman to provide him with information about the local situation and local needs," he said.
"In particular I have been stressing to the minister the need for domestic family violence programs working with men who are seeking help to deal with their behaviour.
"Domestic violence rates continue to shock our community, and our frontline workers are facing increased demand and additional pressures due to the pandemic.
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"This funding will help protect women and children as we work together to eradicate domestic and family violence from our communities.
"I also would like to acknowledge the advocacy and work of the Border Family Violence Network and our frontline workers for everything they do to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community."
Murray River Detective Chief Inspector Mick Stoltenberg said any program that can be introduced to support the Albury community to address domestic violence is a positive step.
"Unfortunately there are a lot of victims of domestic violence out there who have been unable to tap into the support agencies to help them break the cycle," he said.
"On the other side is the male perpetrators who commit these offences and have no support, it may well be through their upbringing, or things that they were exposed to, which has caused them to commit DV.
"By being able to obtain support can only help them improve their behaviour and in turn make their potential victims safer."
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au