Women at Greenough Regional Prison graduate from Department of Justice Leave Safe, Stay Safe DV program

Eight women at Greenough Regional Prison have graduated from a voluntary inmate program launched in May to help break the cycle of family and domestic violence. The Department of Justice’s Leave Safe, Stay Safe program is being trialled in Greenough Regional Prison and Bandyup Women’s Prison for three years to help women protect themselves and their families from domestic violence. The group of eight graduates were the first cohort to complete the program at Greenough Regional Prison. It provides counselling and legal advice for women identified as victims of domestic violence upon their release. Women will also be given “clean” smartphones loaded with important information and support contacts to help them on their way. Regional Alliance West provides case management, group programs, risk assessments and safety planning before and after release, as well as supporting women with Family Court inquiries, child custody arrangements, and applications for family violence restraining orders. Greenough Regional Prison superintendent Andrea Rees-Carter said the first round of graduates provided positive feedback and engaged well in the program. “Part of the program’s success comes down to the ability to tailor content to individual needs,” she said. “While three course components are compulsory, another nine topics are chosen by the women involved. “This allows us to deliver targeted, relevant supports to a vulnerable group who may otherwise not have access to accurate information.” Participants said they learnt how to recognise “red flags”, recognising how something makes them feel, what is right and wrong, the dos and don’ts of relationships and how to “handle myself on the outside.” Victims of Crime Commissioner Kati Kraszlan said handing out smartphones would prevent women from being contacted or followed by perpetrators after leaving prison and would keep them safe from threats and violence. “FDV perpetrators often make unwanted contact,” she said. “They can put tracking software on devices like phones and laptops, so this program provides women the security of a clean phone with a new number.” Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said between 70 per cent and 90 per cent of women in WA prisons were victims of family and domestic violence. “We know a history of violence is one of the drivers behind offending,” he said. “The Leave Safe, Stay Safe program aims to educate and empower prisoners, giving them the best chance of reintegrating into the community safely and staying safe after release.” 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)