Dennis Ferguson: Vigilantism or Counselling?

“Dennis Ferguson resorted to an AVO in the Local Court yesterday, now set for hearing on 19 January 2010, in one of three challenges in order to return to his home in Ryde and avoid the bullying of vigilantes” said Justice Action Coordinator Brett Collins.

“The recent Four Corners program http://tinyurl.com/ylnoygu did not explain the prior abuse that Dennis Ferguson suffered as a child, or effective programs for sex offenders. Had it been available to him, SafeCare from Western Australia, could have broken the intergenerational cycle of victimisation and offending, and prevented his original offences, but it has been been de-funded. The WA Child Protection Minister McSweeney prefers to break the family unit and imprison the offender” said Mr Collins.

“SafeCare’s unique counselling service is a whole-of-family model based around the treatment of trauma, insight development and behavioural change utilising the strengths in the family to ensure protection for children, and prevention of further risk. It received glowing references from the Department for Child Protection’s independent evaluations” said Barbara Biggs, child protection campaigner.

“As part of its service SafeCare provided treatment to the victims of child sexual abuse and other family members, helping them to re-build respectful and safe relationships. SafeCare successfully treated more child sex offenders and their families than any other program in Australia. Over 20 years about 700 men have sought treatment. It recorded the lowest recidivism rate of all child sexual abuse prevention programs worldwide with fewer than 2 per cent” said former SafeCare director Christabel Chamarette.

“By refusing to fund the Program for offenders, and only allowing funding for women and children, the WA Minister for Child Protection and the West Australian Government have effectively guaranteed a new generation of Dennis Fergusons” said Mr Collins.

NB. case studies, written accounts and audio interviews are available from former participants in the men’s program
Brett Collins, Justice Action