About the Author

Carmel O'Brien managed the counselling programs and led the development of domestic violence programs at Doncaster Community Care and Counselling Centre (Doncare) in Melbourne's east from 2001-2015. She established the Dorothy Rose Fund, in memory of her mother, to provide services that meet the individual and practical needs of women and children in recovery from domestic violence. She also founded the SaSSing Choir for victims of DV and their supporters. She is a Fellow of the Australian Pyschological Society and the Cairnmillar Institute. Carmel has seven adult children, and lives in Rosebud, Victoria. This is her first book.

Reviews

There is certainly no shortage of writing on domestic violence. Every so often however, someone comes along with a contribution that might just make a profound and lasting difference. Carmel O'Brien's Blame Changer takes a tough and fraught issue and deals with it with experience and wisdom writ large, providing plainly written, cut-through propositions on every page, without losing quality or rigour. It could be a game changer. � Mary Crooks, Executive Director, Victorian Women's Trust Blame Changer provides a thoughtful explanation of the ways in which women's lives are impacted by family violence. It helps to clarify many of the myths and misconceptions about the nature and dynamics of family violence informed by women's lived experiences. It will be a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about this pervasive social problem. � Domestic Violence Victoria Unapologetically direct and honest about the realities of domestic violence, Blame Changer is a breath of fresh air. Written in everyday language from frontline expert experience, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand domestic violence, help those it hurts, challenge the myths and work to stop it. � Dr Chris Atmore, Senior Policy Adviser, Federation of Community Legal Centres (Victoria) Inc. Groundbreaking. A major strength is the author's use of real life examples when challenging long-held beliefs, and it offers us new insights into the nature of domestic violence. Everyone should read Blame Changer. - Irene Gerrard, social worker and family therapist Blame Changer speaks directly to the many Australians who have experienced domestic violence, or know someone who has. It should be on the desk of every counsellor, police officer, politician and health professional who is in a position to take action at an individual, family, community or policy level to stop domestic violence. Actually, isn't that all of us? � Heather Gridley, community and counselling psychologist, APS Honorary Fellow The information in Blame Changer is factual and easy to read. This is a book that should be read by everyone who wants to know the truth about domestic and family violence. � Doreen Stoves, chief executive officer, Doncare Books such as this are invaluable in spreading the word about family violence and its drivers. As a community we must continue to ensure that the 'responsibility' for using violence rests squarely with the person making the choice to use violence and NOT with the person who is responding to that violence. � Jenny Jackson, chief executive officer, Eastern Domestic Violence Service Carmel has brought her years of hands-on, practical experience together in a way that is accessible and understandable for victims of abuse, family and friends, the broader community, media and policy makers. Blame Changer is an essential tool for all those who seek to understand men's violence against women and what we can, and must, do about it. � Hon Mary Wooldridge MP Minister for Community Services 2010 - 2014