Preventing Violence within Families and Changing Men’s Behaviour
Relationship Matters is a leader in the delivery of Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCP) across Victoria.
At Relationship Matters, all of our services require the screening for family and domestic violence and the development of appropriate interventions, programmatic responses and referrals. The safety of those who have experienced or witnessed violence or abuse is of paramount concern for all staff working with clients who are faced with violence.
As family counsellors, dispute resolution practitioners and educators, Relationship Matters’ staff view violence in the context of family and other communal systems.
While Relationship Matters recognises the need for individual responsibility, this organisation also recognises the need at times to advocate for those who may be temporarily disempowered and require intervention on their behalf on moral or legal grounds.
Relationship Matters recognises its legal responsibility to act in response to explicit threats to life, limb and property, as well as mandatory reporting obligations for children who are exposed to violence and abuse.
WHAT WE DO AT RELATIONSHIP MATTERS
For clients where family violence is evident, a range of interventions are used at Relationship Matters according to the practitioner’s assessment of the client’s needs, readiness and the safety of those seeking our services. These interventions include:
- individual counselling
- family counselling
- couple counselling
- child and adolescent counselling
- structured groups for men
- dispute resolution
- internal referral
- external referral
A decision to employ a particular intervention is made by a practitioner only after all safety concerns have been addressed, the client’s capacity to therapeutically engage in the work or their agreement to participate in the recommended intervention and the appropriateness of the intervention at the time of application.
If you are reading this because you need immediate or urgent assistance, you can call:
Police or ambulance: 000
At any time if you are worried about you or your children’s safety.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre: Toll Free 24/7 Response Line 1800 015 188
(24-hour, 7 days a week)
The state-wide 24/7 first responder for women and children experiencing family violence providing a central pathway into the specialist family violence system. The centre provides intervention, support and advocacy services at no cost to the user.
Victorian Centres against Sexual Assault and the After Hours Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
(24 hour emergency or crisis care service)
Child Protection Crisis Line: 131 278
(24-hour, 7 days a week)
To report concerns of child physical and/or sexual abuse.
The Men’s Referral Service: (03) 9428 2899 or STD Freecall 1800 065 973
(12.00 noon to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday)
For men who are concerned about their violent and/or abusive behaviours.
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
(24-hour, 7 days a week)
Telephone support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems.
Respect is
Supporting 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 2021
Relationship Matters supports the prevention of family and gender-based violence.