‘Game changing’ $2.4 million federal funding boost enables national scale up of Men’s Referral Service to help keep

No to Violence

No to Violence

welcomes today’s significant announcement of a $2.4 million funding boost from the Commonwealth Government over the next six months.

No to Violence operates the Men’s Referral Service which provides telephone and online counselling to men who use violence. They also provide support for other organisations that work with users of family violence and have a long history of delivering safe and effective interventions for Australian men using family violence.

No to Violence Chief Executive Jacqui Watt described the funding boost as a ‘game changer’ and ‘win for the whole family violence sector’.

The funding will expand the Men’s Referral Service to offer support across the entire country, as well as provide the sector that works with men who use violence with support about working during the challenging times of physical distancing and isolation.

“We are delighted by today’s announcement from the Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon. Anne Ruston, of a $2.4 million funding boost over six months to support the critical work of No to Violence and the sector that work with men who use violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Family violence begins and ends with men. Through this increased funding, we want to make sure that men get help earlier if they are willing to ask for it and that home is a safer place for women and children.

“If you are a man anywhere in Australia and are using violence, or about to use violence, please stop. Give us a call on 1300 766 491 or chat online (ntv.org.au) instead and we can help.

“During this pandemic, we have seen an increase in call volumes from across the country including massive spikes in usage around major announcements. Whilst this is alarming, it also means more men are reaching out for support. This funding means we will be able to support more men to address their use of violence.

“It will enable us to work closely with our members and colleagues across every state and territory to add value to their specialist family violence response, enabling a truly nationwide service.

“To deliver this support, we will need to partner with our members and colleagues in every state and territory to ensure they have the resources and tools to work with to help men change their abusive and violent behaviours.”

No to Violence has experienced an overall increase and marked spikes in calls to its Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown measures.

/Public Release.