The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening efforts to prevent gender-based violence in Australia through its new $23 million early intervention trials focussed on engaging at risk young men and adolescent boys, including two trial sites in the Hume and Greater Shepparton regions of Victoria.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, alongside the Federal Member for Hawke, Sam Rae, today met with Berry Street and their consortia partners who have been chosen to deliver the trial in the Hume region.
Speaking from the trial site in Hume, Assistant Minister Elliot said early intervention work with young men is vital to helping break future cycles of violence in the community.
“Ending gender-based violence is a complex issue, and we know that early intervention as part of a holistic approach is critical,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“Through the Trial, we will intervene early to break the cycle of family, domestic, and sexual violence by improving the wellbeing of at-risk young men and boys in the key 12-to-18-year age range”
“The 12 trial sites across Australia, including here in North-West of Melbourne, will support young men and boys to recover and heal from their experience of violence and help them to avoid choosing to use violence in their future relationships.”
Local Federal Member, Sam Rae MP, said how important it was for these trials to be delivered by local services in order to get the best outcomes for the community.
“Berry Street, alongside Uniting, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Care First Support Services and Drummond Street, are experts in the field and importantly, know our area and our community”, Mr Rae said.
“Backed by investment from the Albanese Labor Government, these services will deliver this critical support in our area, and provide the counselling and care that some young men and boys may need to ensure a safer future.”
Successful grant recipients across Australia are expected to commence delivering services from early 2025.
Following National Cabinet last month, the Albanese Labor Government committed a further $80 million to enhance and expand child-centric trauma-informed supports for children and young people who have witnessed or experienced family, domestic and sexual violence.
More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au
Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.