Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) is expanding its Men's Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) to two new locations, thanks to an additional $1.6 million investment from the NSW Government.
RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said RANSW will be bringing its extensive experience in delivering MBCPs to the Blacktown and Maitland communities from February 2025.
"Relationship Australia NSW's program supports men in taking responsibility for their abusive behaviour, while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of victim survivors," Ms Shaw said.
"Our MBCP provides men with a unique opportunity, outside of the criminal justice system, to interrupt destructive patterns of behaviour through intensive casework and an 18-week group program.
"For those who engage and commit to the process, considerable change is possible, especially when they continue addressing their issues through our counselling and group work programs."
"Through the program, women and children also separately receive vital education and support to strengthen their capacity to manage safety and wellbeing, ensuring a more holistic approach to addressing domestic and family violence."
The funding will provide support to approximately 280 people per year.
"On behalf of RANSW, I'd like to thank the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison and the NSW Government for this investment in the safety of women and children across our state," Ms Shaw said.
Steven* joined RANSW's Taking Responsibility Men's Behaviour Change Program after his children stopped living with him due to safety concerns.
"I see how my partner's face has changed and when she looks at me, I see love instead of fear," Steven said.
"My children can now express themselves and I can help them with their big emotions instead of screaming at them and scaring them. I appreciate these relationships so much, and I was so close to losing all of them."
Steven's participation in the program brought significant changes. His children were reunited with him and his partner, and both Steven and his partner joined parenting support programs. Steven's partner also attended RANSW's Women's Choice and Change workshop.
RANSW's MBCP is also available in the Sydney CBD, Illawarra, Hunter and online, with more than 400 people taking part in the program in 2024.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
