New avenues to divert anger

PRISONERS’ experiences are behind a program tackling family violence in the South East.
Ongoing Change out of Violence president and Noble Park Rotarian Keith Maxwell said the harm prevention charity started about eight years ago.
Founder Ivan Wilson volunteered in a prison for nine years, speaking to more than 300 inmates about positive actions and responses that could have kept them out of jail.
“A model was developed around what was learned from these experiences, and this proves to be a very successful method for group members for dealing with their stress and anger,” Mr Maxwell said.
Volunteers hold weekly group sessions in Narre Warren and three other Melbourne locations to help people identify the source of their anger and establish non-violent responses.
“Our members begin to understand where their anger originates from, then how to effectively deal with it, to be able to achieve a positive change within themselves,” Mr Maxwell said.
“A broader impact is that damaged relationships also have the opportunity to be repaired.”
Crime statistics released earlier this year showed family violence-related assaults had continued to increase in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
Ongoing Change aims to turn this around.
“We provide complete confidentially within the group, a total acceptance of each member and respect for all,” Mr Maxwell said.
“We also emotionally support those members through any court proceedings that may be in progress.
“Members finally feel that they are not alone.
“We see personal ownership and growth occur within this environment.”
Members come to Ongoing Change through referrals from concerned family members, solicitors, court services and other support agencies.
“Members make their own changes at varying speeds, so they attend when and as often as they need to,” Mr Maxwell said.
“We also recognise that sometimes there needs to be a ’refresher’ return visit, so we have a well-established principle that we will meet at the same time and in same location every week of the year.”
Ongoing Change is a registered charity, so donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
“This money is used to cover day-to-day operating expenses such as training for volunteer counsellors, room rental, public liability insurance, website costs and advertising and printing expenses,” Mr Maxwell said.
Visit www.ongoingchange.org.au for more information.