Program helps iron out violence

A PROGRAM that counsels men to prevent domestic violence is ready to go again in Pakenham.
The success of the inaugural program run by Men’s Education Towards Anger and Life (Heavy METAL) has prompted organisers to repeat the dose.
Heavy METAL founder David Nugent said the 12week program helped men identify, understand, and take responsibility for their behaviour, attitudes and emotional reactions.
“We help guys who have never realised what they do is a form of abuse, until they meet us,” Mr Nugent said.
“When we go through it and explore what their behaviour is, then take ourselves out of their shoes and put them in their partner’s, they say ‘Oh damn, that’s why she left me’.”
He said the group encouraged men to talk about their problems in a nonthreatening environment.
“Guys are given lots of warnings, but like to sweep things under the mat in the hope it will go away.
“They complain (their partners) remember things from two or three years ago, and I say that’s because you never dealt with it.”
The program, held at Outlook, begins on Wednesday, 31 May.
For more information, contact David Nugent on 0401 766 877 or check the website at www.heavymetalgroup.com.au.