Peter*

Peter was isolated in the community and relied solely on his perpetrator for support prior to connecting with the Men’s Domestic Violence Service…

Peter was an elderly man living in public housing and was repeatedly being assaulted by his son.

He was referred to the Men’s Domestic Violence Service: Western Region after the police attended an incident at the house. He was assessed by the police as at ‘serious threat of further injury or death’ and placed on the agenda for the next Safety Action Meeting.

At first, Peter was reluctant to take out an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) against his son, as Peter relied on him for support, despite the abuse that was perpetrated on him. The Men’s Domestic Violence Service discussed the ADVO process with him, the protection it offered and how the court process worked.

The Safety Action Meeting identified that Peter’s son was a repeat offender and that the police had been unable to locate him to serve the ADVO, leaving Peter unprotected. Community Corrections identified that Peter’s son was engaging with them weekly and alerted the police when the offender was present, so that the protection order could be served. Peter’s son was referred to a men’s behaviour change program to address his re-offending.

Peter himself was referred to a local aged care facility to be assisted with practical measures such as transport to appointments and understanding prescriptions. He was also connected with a local support group where he formed close friendships.

The Men’s Domestic Violence Service and the aged care support service identified that Peter was an ideal candidate for the private rental market and advocated to Housing NSW. Peter was approved for the Rent Start Bond Loan, which he used to lease a small unit in a secure complex. Peter remains in a private rental and no longer feels unsafe in his home. He is supported by the network of friends he made while interacting with local support services.

*Name has been changed to protect identity