Our Men’s Domestic Violence Order (DVO) group is important because it offers and provides men who are subject to a DVO a safe space to discuss their situation, with the aim of reducing breaches of DVOs. We do this because our goal is keeping everyone safe. It works because it helps these men understand the conditions of the DVO and how to avoid breaching them – and by not breaching their DVO, we keep the men out of jail.

The group is based on the SMART Recovery program principles, especially in terms of being participant directed, an open group and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy based where thoughts, feelings and behaviour are linked, explored, and challenged. 

We have seen a number of men attend the group and tell us that being able to discuss their situation has helped them greatly, including figuring out alternative ways to communicate or behave. They have reported improvements in their relationships, including re-connecting with their children, where it is safe and appropriate to do so.