Linking male perpetrators with a social worker at the time of offending may help men address their behaviour, according to Women's Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive officer Emma Mahony.
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Western Victorian MP Stuart Grimley has called for a pilot program being delivered by Bethany in Geelong to be rolled out in other areas.
"Upon attendance at a family violence incident the concept is that a worker from Bethany stays with a perpetrator whilst police can collect a statement and assist the victim," Mr Grimley said.
"This role is pivotal in engaging the perpetrator in acute situations where it is safe to do so.
"It further allows attempts to engage the perpetrator voluntarily in behavioural change programs."
Ms Mahony said the women's health and wellbeing service fully supported promoting men's role in advancing gender equality and the need for more resource to support male perpetrators of violence.
"Pilots such as the Bethany example may provide an opportunity to link a male perpetrator of violence with services at a critical time," she said.
"Linking with services may support men to start to understand violence and why they are choosing to be violent."
Ms Mahony said early engagement with services could help an offender link to services and supports and find new ways to navigate relationship and new ways to treat women.
However, she said it was important to understand that most people experiencing domestic violence did not report it.
She said the facts about women experiencing sexual or physical violence were alarming - with research revealing one in five Australian women had experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 and one in three women had experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
In addition to that every week in Australia one woman, sometimes more, is killed by a current or former intimate partner.
Ms Mahony said violence against women was caused by gender inequality.
"What is needed is long term and sustained action to promote gender equality and respect," she said.
Ms Mahony said more investment was needed in promoting gender equality.
"WHWBSW have a great vision for women in our region to be healthy, safe and can access all of life's opportunities," she said.
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