Funding boost to help stop domestic violence reoffending

The investment will expand the number of service providers from 5 to 16 and increase the number of locations across the state that offer programs from 15 to 29.

Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) are predominantly group-based programs and services that focus on working with men to enable them to recognise their violent behaviour and develop strategies to stop them from using violence.

This joint commitment accounts for $15.8 million of NSW Government funding and $2.2 million from the Australian Federal Government.

NSW Government is committed to expanding non-government community-based men’s behaviour change interventions and developing the capacity of the community-based men’s behaviour change sector.

Registered service providers were given the opportunity to participate in an open tender to provide Men’s Behaviour Change Programs in NSW.

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Minister Natalie Ward:

“No one in NSW should have to live in fear of domestic violence, which is why we hold perpetrators to account for their actions. Our priority is to prevent reoffending.

“Men’s Behaviour Change programs work with domestic violence offenders, educating them to recognise their unacceptable actions and make them aware of conduct that can trigger reoffending.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

“Working with men through behaviour change programs is an important part of the family and domestic violence response.

“We recognise that holding perpetrators of domestic and family violence to account and offering them opportunities to address and change this behaviour will reduce reoffending and make society safer for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Men and Family Centre Acting Co-manager Lainie Rees who have been working with men to end their use of violence for over 20 years:

“The objective of our Men’s Behaviour Change Program is to promote risk identification and reduction, and create safety and wellbeing for women, children and families impacted by domestic and family violence.

“This funding allows us to continue to develop and implement responses to men’s violence, including behavioural change which is informed by a sound evidence base, ongoing evaluation, and reflective practice.”

Quotes attributable to a participant from the Men and Family Centre:

“Nothing great is easy and the process of seeing how I was impacting those I love, letting go of hurt and changing into a positive force in my family’s life, and in my life, wasn’t easy but it was very, very worthwhile.

“The experience at the centre was profoundly positive, challenging and life changing.”

Quotes attributable to an additional participant from the Men and Family Centre:

“It was confronting and uncomfortable to talk about improving behaviour but it was also good to hear from other men struggling with the same problems and to hear from practitioners who have overcome these problems themselves.

“After spending the time I have spent with both the practitioners and other (participants), I am extremely thankful I have been able to be a part of this program.”

Funded service providers include: