Mandurah organisations come together to bring Safe Men Safe Family to the city

Marzel Norton from Peel Says No to Violence, Tanya Langford from Peel Youth Services, and Dave Schumacher from Halo have come together with Iwi Riders’ Irene Lydon to bring Safe Man Safe Family to Mandurah.

The popular New Zealand-based not-for-profit focuses on assisting domestic violence perpetrators in breaking the cycle of violence and turning their lives around through mentoring and counselling.

The initiative is run by former gang members and domestic violence perpetrators, who share their personal success stories to inspire and mentor others.

Safe Man Safe Family’s Vic Tamati, Phil Pakeia and Tim Marshall will be holding a forum at the Mandurah Yatch Club on September 28, to raise awareness about the organisation’s approach to tacking violence and to share their powerful life stories.

The event, which is open to both residents and service providers, hopes to bring a breath of fresh air to the way organistions are dealing with violence in the region and break down the stereotypes surrounding seeking help.

Iwi Riders’ Irene Lydon said the program had an 80 per cent success rate in New Zealand so far, mostly due to its community-driven approach, and highlighted the need for Australia to follow suit.

“Programs in WA are just ticking the boxes,” Ms Lydon said.

“In New Zealand they follow a holistic approach.”

Ms Langford agreed and said WA had a drastic shortage of perpetrator programs.

“Domestic violence rates are going up so we have to do things differently,” she said.

The Mandurah Safe Man Safe Family forum will be held at the Mandurah Yacht Club in Halls Head between 1.30pm and 4.00pm on September 28. 

The forum is part of a broader Pert-based event organised by Iwi Riders called Wannanga 2017.

The three-day event hopes to bring people together to address issues of concern surrounding the Iwi Riders community, such as breaking down with violence, through a series of inspirational speeches and activities.

For more information about the event contact Irene Lyndon on 0423 883 014.