A new program aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational domestic violence has been launched by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The ODPP said the Supporting Parents’ and Children’s Emotions (SPACE) Program provided early intervention support to young parents aged between 12 to 25 years, who were experiencing or perpetuating domestic and family violence.
Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman said the Program aimed to reduce the risk of children being exposed to domestic and family violence.
“Domestic violence is too dangerous to inherit,” Ms Chapman said.
“We must protect our children, and children’s children, from its insidious scourge, and help those exposed at a young age to break the cycle,” she said.
“By stopping it at the start, we give future generations the best chance of living in a world where violence doesn’t permeate their home walls.”
Ms Chapman said the Program, funded through the Justice Rehabilitation Fund, was being delivered by two highly skilled and experienced social workers.
She said the Program was being run through the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, as a specialised add-on to its Young Parents Program.
The Attorney-General said that, in its first month of operation, the Program had helped 40 young parents and 20 children, with 15 people referred for one-on-one therapeutic counselling.
She said staff had also provided seven targeted education sessions to parents and children, focussing on the impacts of violence.
“If you’re vulnerable, are experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence and are starting a family, I urge you to reach out, and consider taking part in this Program,” she said.
“It will help to ensure young parents and their children are given the chance to experience a life free of domestic abuse,” Ms Chapman said.
