Domestic Violence Program
Domestic violence refers to one person in a relationship using various forms of violence or abuse, to control, dominate and hurt the other person, causing them to fear for their safety or the safety of others. Victoria Police reported that family violence incidents are increasing every year and 65,000 incidents were reported in 2014.
Psylegal has developed a new Assessment and Treatment Program for Domestic Violence perpetrators that assesses risk and provides treatment to reduce the risk of future violence.
There are a number of risk factors that increase one’s likelihood of engaging in violent behaviours against another family member.
Risk factors for violence
- – Low self esteem
- – Financial strain
- – Depression
- – Antisocial personality traits/disorder
- – Being isolated from other people/having minimal friends
- – Being unemployed
- – Feeling emotionally dependent and insecure
- – Having hostility towards women or believing women are inferior to men
- – Being victimized or abused previously, especially in childhood
- – Poor parenting, being mistreated or harshly disciplined as a child
- – Witnessing violence between family members (e.g. parents)
A.D.V.I.C.E Treatment Program
The Adult Domestic Violence Intervention, Counselling & Education (A.D.V.I.C.E) program assesses risk and provides treatment to reduce the risk of future violence in adults.
Who is the program for?
- – Persons with reports of physical/sexual assault
- – Persons who have violated a court/restraining order
- – Prior domestic violence charges/conviction
- – A referral can be made prior to a police charge or a committal hearing.
Who can refer to the program?
You do not need to have a referral from the GP to be eligible for this program and referrals can be made prior to a police charge or a committal hearing. Referrals can come from:
- – You can self-refer
- – Friends or family
- – Solicitors or Barristers
- – GP
- – Any other agency
What does the A.D.V.I.C.E treatment program involve?
- – Treatment for mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders
- – Managing violence, aggression and emotional regulation
- – Increasing self regulation, interpersonal functioning skills and victim empathy
- – Improving familial relationships
- – Reducing ingrained beliefs on gender inequality and power/domination ideologies
What does this program provide?
- – An individualized treatment program
- – One on one treatment with a suitably qualified Psychologist
- – Evidence bases assessment of risk
- – Treatment Progress Report for Court (including a risk assessment for reoffending, treatment responsivity and areas of change)
If you or your family would benefit from this program, please give us a call on 1300 79 22 09 for more information.