HOLYOAKE EXTENDS AOD FAMILY VIOLENCE INNOVATION

Holyoake is pleased to announce the continuation of the RISE program to 30 June 2025 after full year funding was recently confirmed by the Mental Health Commission.

The family violence perpetrator AOD intervention program was born from collaboration with WA Police in 2023, and after seven months of piloting will continue on a Perth metropolitan wide scale to support the eight policing districts of Joondalup, Mirrabooka, Midland, Perth, Cannington, Armadale, Fremantle and Mandurah.

Branded RISE, the program targets perpetrators of substance abuse involved in family violence incidents under a four-pillar model of care that Responds, Intervenes, Supports and Empowers.

National research indicates that in the past decade 63% of family violence offenders were identified at sentencing as having a history of challenges with alcohol and other drugs. The pilot also confirmed the link between alcohol and other drug use and family violence and demonstrated the need of the program with over 1,700 cases of alcohol and other drug related family violence incidents being referred to Holyoake over the seven-month period.

Available seven days per week, the program responds promptly to WAPOL family violence team referrals to provide evidenced based targeted interventions for perpetrators, survivors and other family members.

This funding ensures the continuation of impact and a much-needed service for the WA community.

Celebrating its continuation, Mental Health Commission Commissioner Maureen Lewis said “We have all seen the devastating impact family and domestic violence has on our families and communities.

“A whole of community approach to address issues related to alcohol and other drug use can help reduce violent behaviour and contribute to family safety.

“The RISE program will help us support those experiencing family and domestic violence by aiming to reduce alcohol and other drug use and increase feelings of safety in the community.

“We all have a role to play in preventing family and domestic violence – together we can address this serious issue.”

Holyoake CEO Lorraine Keane welcomed the Mental Health Commission’s support and praised WAPOL’s commitment to collaboration that contributes to solving community issues, stating “We are thankful to the Commission for their support of this needed program that directly addresses the intersection of alcohol and other drug use and family and domestic violence.

“Securing women’s lives and keeping families safe is at the heart of the RISE program.

“I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the work that WA Police delivers to support family safety and praise their Emerging Crime Program initiative that has fostered this service innovation.

“Holyoake is uniquely positioned to deliver this service and is proud to be supporting the WA Governments focus on alcohol and other drug and family violence prevention.”

-ENDS