By Cam Lucadou-Wells
THERE are a few reasons why a full-feature documentary into a Casey men’s behaviour change program is a world first, says one of the group’s organisers.
David Nugent, who heads the Heavy METAL (Men’s Education Towards Anger and Life) group featured in the film Call Me Dad, said few docos look inside these confidential groups.
“It gives some hope there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
“Often the message is so negative around family violence but it says men can change if they want to.”
Yet, the task to educate and challenge males is huge – as shown by the recent schoolgirl porn trading-ring instigated by teenage boys and young men.
Mr Nugent said he talks to young males to get them to managing their anger and respect females as equals.
The problem is “epidemic” and is fed by the easy access to porn on mobile devices, he said.
“I say to them how would you feel if that was your sister?”
The full feature-length version of Call Me Dad screens in a world premiere on 26 August and will be followed by a question and answer forum.
It will feature guest speakers Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and Casey councillor Geoff Ablett.
Mr Donnellan said the Heavy METAL program helped men understand that family violence wasn’t just physical but included emotional abuse, economic abuse, social control and “the image of their loved ones being too scared to be honest with them”.
“Abuse tears loved ones apart.
“These men have recognised their problem and are actively seeking help and looking to save their relationships with their families”.
Cr Ablett said education was the key to turning around males’ thinking – in schools, workplaces and homes.
“It’s something very passionate for me. David (Nugent) has done a magnificent job doing what he does.”
Call Me Dad will be showing at Hallam Senior College on 26 August at 7pm.
Details at eventbrite.com/e/call-me-dad-tickets-25834649131 or from David Nugent at hvymetal@bigpond.net.au.
