Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Support

First Steps to Change is Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service's (PAMS) Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) men's program, delivered through the FDSV Pilot Program across Newman and the remote East Pilbara communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji. The program works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who use, or are at risk of using, family, domestic and sexual violence, supporting them to take responsibility for their behaviour, strengthen cultural identity and connection, and build safer, stronger families and communities. The safety of women, children, family and community is at the centre of everything the program does.

What we offer

  • First Steps to Change — a 12-session, culturally grounded, trauma-aware, strengths-based brief intervention program, delivered one-to-one or in a group setting.
  • Individual Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) counselling and behaviour-change support.
  • Cultural engagement, yarning circles, on-Country grounding activities and cultural camps.
  • Community healing activities, including men's cook-ups, fishing trips and group engagement sessions.
  • Safety planning and support-circle mapping, connecting men to family, Elders and professional supports.
  • Referral and warm handover to culturally safe legal, housing, drug and alcohol, and mental health services.
  • Ongoing case management, follow-up and connection to longer-term supports after the program ends.

Who can access this service?

The program is for 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. Men can take part whether or not they are currently involved with police, courts or corrections — the program supports both voluntary and agency-referred participants.

Where services are provided

Services are based in Newman, with a dedicated Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) centre being established in 2026. Facilitators also travel on outreach visits to Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji to deliver sessions, cultural engagement and follow-up support directly in community, so men do not need to travel to Newman to take part.