A Live-in Behaviour Change Program
Communicare Breathing Space is an approximate six (6) month residential program with sites in the Pilbara (South Hedland) and the Perth metropolitan suburbs of Maylands and Calista.
It is an intensive men’s behaviour change program specifically designed for men who choose to use violence and abuse in their relationships with partner(s) or family members. This is often referred to as Family Domestic Violence and Abuse (FDVA). The program provides educational group work, informal counselling, individual case management and advocacy. Group work includes:
- Men Relating Safely
- Emotions & Feelings
- Parenting & Caring
- Therapeutic Lifestyle Workshops
- Property Maintenance (including daily chores)
- Recreational Activities
The program supports participants to make changes in a secure and supportive therapeutic setting.
What are my responsibilities when I participate in the program?
Participants in the program are required to:
- Participate in all aspects of the program
- Abstain from using alcohol and any other drugs
- Remain committed to non-violence and engage respectfully with both staff and participants
- Contribute to the cost of lodgings
What are the objectives of the program?
Communicare Breathing Space is committed to establishing and maintaining the safety of women and children. This is achieved by providing:
- A structured program that supports your learning and understanding to enable you to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for your FDVA behaviours.
- Exposure to different approaches, communications styles and coping strategies as alternatives to using violence and abuse.
- An opportunity for you to explore the impact of your violence and abuse on your partner, ex-partner(s), family members and the broader community.
- A Women’s Advocate to offer support and referral service for your partner, ex-partner(s) and family members who have been impacted by your FDVA behaviours.
Supported transition accommodation
Communicare Breathing Space will support you in your transition from the program to the broader community.
On site transition accommodation is available to you once you have successfully completed the intensive first stage of the program. You remain supported by the program while you have more flexibility to seek employment, attend to personal matters, complete employment-related training and/or secure future accommodation. If you are not attending to such matters you will be required to continue attending groups to be a positive role model for other participants.
