Support for Persons Using Violence PUVs

Support for Persons Using Violence: PUVs

Family Violence Response programs are healing, trauma-informed interventions for young females and women to explore family safety and explore alternatives to force in intimate relationships.

The program aims to:

• Promote the safety and support of young women/women and their families
• Provide an opportunity to explore and reflect on attitudes and beliefs that may influence the use of violence.
• Provide a healing space where young people/women have the opportunities to recover from the trauma and process their lived experiences
• Provide young women/women the opportunity to explore alternatives to using force
• Focus on empowering young women/women to make decisions regarding their goals and support needs.
• Address their family violence experiences beyond the stigma attached to shame

The program is funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Who is this service for?

This program is available to:

• young women aged 12-24 years who are using force at home, at school, towards caregivers, family members, peers
• women, 24 years and over who have used force in an intimate relationship.
• are living in or have links to Western Metropolitan Melbourne, Northern Metropolitan Melbourne and some regional areas in Victoria.
• are ready to engage in therapeutic sessions and supports.

How do I access the service?

If you are looking to access the service, you can self-refer into the program. We also accept referrals from service providers supporting young women and women who have used force in their relationships.

Referrals can be made by one of two ways:

• Call 9373 3800 during business hours, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
• Email: puvreferrals@baptcare.org.au

What will happen when I access the service? What will my experience look like?

Baptcare’s PUV response programs are delivered via both therapeutic group support sessions and individual one-on-one support, either in person, online or a mix of both. The program is evidence-informed and provides a structure for shared living experiences, fostering connection and creating a supportive environment.

One-on-one support is provided before you participate in group sessions and during your experience of the group program. This support can continue for group participants, for up to six weeks post-completion of the group participation.

For young women under 18 years of age, simultaneous parent group sessions will be conducted with their respective caregiver.