Kildonan UnitingCare CEO Stella Avramopoulos and Behaviour Change Program group faciliator Mahesh Bhandary.
A Kildonan UnitingCare education program has been recognised with a silver award in the community-led category of the 2016 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards (ACVPA). The program aims to reduce the level of family violence in Melbourne’s South Asian communities.
Announced in Canberra last week, the ACVPAs recognise good practice in the prevention or reduction of violence and other types of crime in Australia.
The South Asian Men’s Behaviour Change Program established in September 2013 as a response to significant rates of family violence occurring within South Asian communities.
Kildonan UnitingCare CEO Stella Avramopoulos said the program includes culturally specific components, such as recognising the impact of migration on family relationships.
“Our South Asian Men’s Behaviour Change Program opens up opportunities for men who use violence against their families to address their behaviour,” she said.
“Being culturally specific, it targets men who may be reluctant to take part in a mainstream program.”
Importantly, women and children affected by the violence are also supported through the program.
“We are honoured, and thrilled, to receive such a high profile award which recognises the significant inroads Kildonan UnitingCare is making in this area and brings that to a much greater audience.’’
Acting Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) Director, Chris Dawson praised the agency’s initiative.
“This project has been recognised by the ACVPA for its efforts in reducing family and domestic violence through the provision of appropriate, relevant information and education,’’ he said.
Now in their 25th year, the awards are a joint initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments, coordinated by the AIC and co-sponsored by the Law, Crime and Community Safety Council.
Image: Australian Institute of Criminology/Flickr
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