The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening its commitment to ending gender-based violence in one generation through $23 million to establish 12 national trial sites supporting young men and boys at risk of using violence, including in the Australian Capital Territory.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today met with one of the successful applicants under the recent Supporting Adolescent Boys Trial - the Conflict Resolution Service in Canberra.
Speaking from the trial site, Assistant Minister Elliot said engaging young men and boys who present with childhood experiences of family and domestic violence is key to achieving the goal of ending gender-based violence in one generation.
“Whilst not all young men will grow up to perpetuate gendered violence, providing early intervention supports will help break future cycles of violence and create safer communities for all,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
“Early intervention supports that are tailored to the needs and circumstances of the individual are integral to creating positive, long-lasting change, and that’s what the team at the Conflict Resolution Service are experts in.”
“These young men and boys are victim-survivors in their own right, and they deserve the opportunity for healing and recovery.”
Local Federal Member for Bean, David Smith, said how important it was to have these supports in Canberra’s Southside.
“This investment by the Albanese Labor Government will help to break future cycles of violence in our community and support young men and boys to make the right choices,” Mr Smith said.
“These issues are ones I’ve worked on with community groups across Bean.”
The Trial is one of several measures targeting boys and young men implemented by the Albanese Government under the framework of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, and will help build the evidence base of effective counselling and therapeutic supports for breaking future cycles of violence
The Conflict Resolution Service and other successful grant recipients are expected to deliver their projects from early 2025.
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. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.
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.