August 3, 2022
The horrific deaths of Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke and her three children at the hands of her estranged husband in 2020 shocked the nation.
In June this year, the Coroner’s Court delivered the finding of an inquest into their deaths.
Among the recommendations made by Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley was that the State Government “provide funding for men’s behaviour change programs, both in prisons and in the communities, as a matter of urgency”.
The South Burnett is one area fortunate enough to have a funded Men’s Behaviour Change program.
Graham House Community Centre facilitates “Stop the Cycle” Men’s Behaviour Change programs throughout the South Burnett under the umbrella service, “Older Wiser Stronger”.
A Graham House spokesperson said “Stop the Cycle” was funded by Department of Justice and Attorney-General to work with men over the age of 17.
It operates according to set standards and requirements developed from current research into domestic and family violence.
“The program is evidence-based and makes use of best-practice principles for assisting men to change the attitudes and beliefs which drive abusive behaviour,” the spokesperson said.
Programs are run in Murgon, Kingaroy and Nanango.
Graham House Community Centre receives referrals for both mandated and volunteer clients from courts, Corrections, Child Safety, police, lawyers and other organisations.
Men can also self-refer if they recognise their need to change.
The program runs for 18 weeks and requires a commitment to attend every session.
“Through the program, men learn how their abusive and violent behaviour works to create and maintain their control over their partners and families,” the spokesperson said.
“Men learn how to take responsibility for their behaviour and choices and how to develop healthy relationships.”
The “Older Wiser Stronger” team at Graham House consists of counsellors, a social worker and a psychologist who work together to offer support to men who have used abusive or violent behaviours.
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If you, or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, you can call:
- DV Connect: 1800-811-811
- Men’s Helpline: 1300-789-978
To find out more about “Older Wiser Stronger” or the “Stop the Cycle” Men’s Behaviour Change program, phone Graham House Community Centre on (07) 4169-8400.
