Family violence counselling services to reach more respondents across Victoria

More Victorians than ever before will have access to targeted family violence programs following the announcement of the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria’s (MCV) new Court Mandated Counselling Order Program (CMCOP).  

MCV is pleased to announce a new range of programs to encourage behaviour change will be provided by Anglicare Victoria, Child & Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) and Family Life across its 13 Specialist Family Violence Courts (SFVCs).  

As part of MCV’s CMCOP grants initiative, service providers were invited to lead the design of new programs to help address the underlying factors contributing to family violence in Victoria and to encourage behaviour change.  

The innovative programs aim to increase participation and completion rates for respondents ordered to attend counselling, by adopting a more tailored, sustainable and inclusive approach.  

“We have doubled the program’s capacity and made it more responsive to the needs of the Victorian community” Head of the Family Violence Division, Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said. 

“The grants program enables us to refer more respondents to family violence programs. By offering a broader range of programs, we are better equipped to meet the needs of the diverse range of respondents who come before the Court.”  

Existing service providers, Cafs and Family Life, will deliver enhanced family violence counselling programs designed to effectively respond to participants and support meaningful change. They will be joined by new provider, Anglicare Victoria, who has also drawn on practice and evidence to inform an innovative program framework. 

The new CMCOP will offer: 

• A variety of different counselling programs across the SFVCs to better engage the diverse range of respondents who come before the Court. 

• A more flexible delivery model, including individual, group, online and in-person programs to improve access to counselling. 

• Targeted programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and people with limited or no English. 

• Structured pathways for participants who want to access further support and counselling services, including Men’s Behaviour Change programs.  

“These programs aim to promote accountability through a targeted approach that addresses the behaviours and attitudes that contribute to violence” MCV Family Violence Executive Director Melinda Stuart-Adams said.  

“By offering different types of counselling programs, we are reducing barriers to taking part and completing the program. Ultimately, our aim is to improve engagement, boost completion rates and enhance the safety of people experiencing family violence.”  

The programs form part of MCV’s suite of responses to help address family violence, including:  

• 13 SFVCs with specially trained magistrates and court staff, separate waiting areas for people experiencing family violence, private meeting rooms, and remote hearing facilities 

• Family violence practitioners, providing non-legal support, information and referrals for people who are applying for, or responding to a family violence intervention order.  

• Facility upgrades across several SFVCs to provide more secure, comfortable and fit-for-purpose facilities for people affected by violence.  

Quote attributable to Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald: 

“Anglicare Victoria looks forward to working with MCV to help clients build healthy and non-violent relationships – as well as ensuring affected partners and families remain safe and supported every step of the way. 
 
“Our organisation will deliver a new and innovative program, based on years of delivering successful evidence-based behaviour change programs to those who have used violence in the home.” 

Quote attributable to Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess: 

“We look forward to continuing to work with MCV to break cycles of inter-generational family violence that are present in our community and to support people who experience family violence. 

“Cafs brings a wealth of experience in trauma responsive practice.” 

Quote attributable to Family Life CEO Allison Wainwright: 

“The CMCOP is a vital element to our all-of-family approach to reducing family violence. 

“By engaging with those who use violence through tailored, trauma-informed responses, we can create safer communities and ensure victim survivors are free from harm.” 

For media queries, please contact mcvmedia@courts.vic.gov.au.