Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Support

First Steps to Change is Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service's Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) men's program. The service provides behaviour change support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who use, or are at risk of using, family, domestic and sexual violence. Through counselling, cultural engagement and structured behaviour change programs, men are supported to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes for themselves, their families and their communities.

The program uses a culturally grounded, trauma-aware and strengths-based approach that promotes accountability, healing and personal growth. Participants can access individual support, group programs, cultural activities and referrals to other services that strengthen wellbeing and support safer relationships.

The safety of women, children, family and community is at the centre of everything the program does, with a focus on building stronger families, healthier relationships and safer communities across the East Pilbara.

Several health professionals interacting with a group of aboriginal children.

Your Journey to Stronger Relationships

1. Start the Conversation

Connect with the First Steps to Change team to talk openly about your circumstances and begin your journey towards positive change.

2. Understand the Impact

Explore how family, domestic and sexual violence affects women, children, families and communities, while developing greater self-awareness and accountability.

3. Strengthen Culture and Connections

Take part in counselling, cultural activities, yarning circles and community programs that strengthen cultural identity, healthy relationships and support networks.

4. Build a Safer Future

Develop the skills, strategies and support systems needed to create lasting behaviour change and contribute to safer families, stronger communities and better outcomes for women and children.

How the PAMS First Steps to Change Team Can Help:

First Steps to Change 12-session behaviour change program
Individual Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) counselling
Behaviour change support
Cultural engagement activities
Yarning circles
On-Country grounding activities
Cultural camps
Community healing activities
Men's cook-ups and fishing trips
Group engagement sessions
Safety planning
Support-circle mapping
Referrals to legal, housing, drug and alcohol, and mental health services
Ongoing case management and follow-up support

Working Alongside Men and Communities

The First Steps to Change team works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to support behaviour change, strengthen cultural identity and build healthier relationships. Through counselling, cultural engagement and structured support, the team helps participants develop practical skills and strategies that support safer outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities.

Services are based in Newman, with outreach delivered to Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji. This allows men to access support, cultural activities and follow-up services closer to home and within their own communities.

Frequently Asked FDSV Questions

Who can access the program?

The program is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men living in Newman, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu or Kunawarritji who use, or are at risk of using, family, domestic or sexual violence.

Do I need a referral to participate?

No. Men can participate voluntarily or be referred through police, courts, corrections or other support agencies.

Can I access the program in my community?

Yes. The First Steps to Change team provides outreach services to Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji, delivering program sessions, cultural activities and ongoing support in community so participants do not need to travel to Newman to access services.

What is First Steps to Change?

First Steps to Change is a 12-session, culturally grounded, trauma-aware and strengths-based behaviour change program delivered one-to-one or in a group setting.

What support is available through the program?

Participants can access counselling, behaviour change support, cultural activities, yarning circles, safety planning, community healing activities and referrals to additional support services.

Can the team connect me with other services?

Yes. The team can provide referrals and warm handovers to legal, housing, drug and alcohol, mental health and wellbeing services.

What happens after the program finishes?

Ongoing case management, follow-up support and connections to longer-term services are available where needed.

Understanding First Steps to Change

First Steps to Change is designed to help men recognise the impacts of family, domestic and sexual violence, take responsibility for their behaviour and develop healthier ways of relating to family, partners and community.

The program combines behaviour change support with Social and Emotional Wellbeing counselling, cultural engagement and community connection to support lasting positive change. The safety of women, children, family and community remains at the centre of all program activities and outcomes.

How can we help you today?...