Central Violence Intervention Program
The Central Violence Intervention Program is an interagency initiative to reduce domestic violence. The program is a collaborative venture between The Adelaide Magistrates Court, the Department for Correctional Services, the Department for Families and Communities, The Salvation Army and the South Australia Police.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm 
Contact Details:
PO Box 6598
Halifax Street
Adelaide, SA 5000
Phone: (08) 8100 8155
Fax: (08) 8100 8156
Email: graeme.cowan@aus.salvationarmy.org
VISION:
To promote violence-free relationships.
MISSION:
The Central Violence Intervention Program is committed to:
- Enhancing Women and Children’s safety
By a series of coordinated responses...
- Providing quality services to women, men and children
In all aspects of the program we will give of the highest quality service possible...
- Reducing men’s violence
In our work with male perpetrators we will have a focus of assisting men of taking responsibility for their violence.
We will not collude with men when they give excuses for their violence or minimise their violence.
SERVICE MODEL
The program offers specialist services to men, women and children experiencing domestic violence. Its broad aim is the establishment of an integrated and co-ordinated interagency and criminal justice response that promotes the safety of women and children and challenges men's use of violence against their partners or ex-partners and children. Four principles underpin intervention:
- The safety of women and children is paramount at all times
- Men who abuse are responsible and will be held fully accountable for their actions
- Interventions will be respectful
- The program is accountable to the experience of those who have been abused
The model incorporates three main features:
- The location of services within the criminal justice system
- Interagency partnerships to promote timely and consistent intervention
- Dedicated specialist domestic violence interventions Interventions are generally up to 6 month's duration.
REFERRALS
The program accepts referrals from:
- The Adelaide Magistrates Court (Family Violence Court)
- The Child and Family Investigations Units (SAPol)
- Department of Correctional Services
- Priority is given to Court referred participants.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Central Violence Intervention Program provides a service to men who acknowledge their violence and abuse as problematic and are prepared to work on ceasing their behaviours. Women whose partners (or ex-partners) are clients of the program are offered support and information. The team is responsive to issues of domestic violence occurring within heterosexual relationships, which are co-habiting or separated, and with or without children. The status of the relationship does not preclude eligibility.
SERVICES
The program offers specialist services to men, women and children. Services are tailored to meet the needs of each of the client groups and include: · Domestic violence counselling for both men and women · Groups for men addressing their violent and abusive behaviour · Support for women and children · Information and referral· Advocacy and liaison· Assistance to access other services
PROGRAM STAFF
The Central Violence Intervention Program team consists of 6 staff: 4 employed by The Salvation Army and 2 by the Department for Correctional Services. The roles are complementary and structured to provide a co-ordinated and considered picture of the impact of violence and abuse on each individual.
| Coordinator |
The Co-ordinator manages the human, financial and capital resources of the service as well as providing support to the interagency team. The position is also responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of operations and service outcomes to promote continuous quality improvement. |
| Courts Unit Worker |
The Courts Unit Worker is based in the Adelaide Magistrates Court. The position is funded by the Department for Correctional Services. The Worker determines if a man is prepared to be assessed for the program and is responsible for all statutory, case management and supervisory functions associated with an appearance in Court. The worker prepares bail and presentence reports and, in collaboration with the team, compiles the Report on Intervention Outcomes which outlines men's involvement in group work. |
| Men's Workers |
The program has two Men's Workers as part of the interagency approach to service provision for male perpetrators of domestic violence. The Men's Workers provide a service to the Family Violence Court and are responsible for engaging men and assessing eligibility to the program, facilitating the 12 week 'Stopping Violence Group' and preparing a report for the Court at the completion of the program. |
| Women's Advocate |
The Women's Advocate is responsible for providing assistance and support to women, including risk and needs assessments, safety plans, case management and referral to other agencies. The process of intervention is designed to inform women of their rights to safety and make considered choices for themselves and their children. The work of the Women's Advocate informs interventions by the Men's Workers and contributes to the Court Report. |
|
Children and Young People's Worker |
This staff member works with children and young people to assess current and ongoing safety issues and to provide a space in which they are able to voice their views and be heard. Intervention strategies are structured so as to inform other staff on issues of safety and risk and promote a co-ordinated response to addressing violence and abuse in the home. Matters raised by the Children and Young People's Worker will be included in the Court Report. |
| Women's Court Worker |
This role provides support, advice and referral to appropriate agencies for applicants attending the Adelaide Family Violence Court on Restraining Order matters. The Court worker attends The Family Violence Court on Monday and Thursday afternoons. |
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