Programs for men who use family violence
We offer men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs) and men’s case management programs for men who use, or have used, family violence. Additional support, including individual sessions, is available for men who have completed an MBCP.
Family Safety Support is a core component of these programs.
We also support men through our free men's wellbeing program.
Men's behaviour change program
A free, 20-session group program for men who want
to change their behaviour.
Are you ready to make a change?
This free program is for adult men who have used violent, harmful or controlling behaviour towards family members, including partners and/or children, and would like help managing their behaviour.
Is this program right for you?
Take a moment to reflect on your relationships with your current/former partner, children and family members. In these relationships, have you behaved in any of the ways listed below?
- Criticised, belittled, or humiliated them, either privately or in front of others.
- Said things to frighten.
- Been extremely jealous, such as unfairly accusing them of paying too much attention to another person.
- Stopped them from doing something they wanted, such as seeing friends or working.
- Controlled your shared finances so they were dependent on you, or stopped them from using money for their own purposes.
- Threatened harm, like using weapons, or hurting a pet.
- Pressured or forced them to have sex when they didn’t want to.
- Used physical force, such as hitting, slapping, pushing or pulling their hair.
- Used your children to control or manipulate a partner or family member.
- Harmed your children or controlled them in ways that are not healthy and supportive of their development.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, and you’re ready to take responsibility for your actions and would like help to change, our men’s behaviour change program can help.
How can an MBCP help?
Programs aim to:
- help you take responsibility for using violence
- give you a safe space to explore and reflect on your attitudes and beliefs that may influence your use of violence
- increase your understanding of how your violent behaviour impacts your partner, children and family members
- help you make changes to develop safe, healthy and more respectful relationships.
How are groups provided?
We run in-person groups from our centres in Boronia, Cranbourne North, Kew, Shepparton and Sunshine. Some centres offer online groups.
How much does it cost?
There’s no cost to you. Bookings are essential.
Getting started
To find out more or to schedule an assessment, please contact your nearest centre:
- Boronia and Kew: Phone (03) 9725 9964 or email [email protected]
- Cranbourne North: Phone (03) 5911 5400 or email [email protected]
- Shepparton: Phone (03) 5820 7444 or email [email protected]
- Sunshine: Phone (03) 8311 9222 or email [email protected]
Family safety is a vital part of the program. Our family safety practitioners will contact your family members to offer them support and assistance. We do this because people exposed to or affected by family violence also need support.
Post-MBCP programs
Sustain
A 10-week program for men who have completed a men's behaviour change program in the past year.
Sustain (Ringwood)
A 10-week program for men who have a connection to the Eastern Melbourne area and have completed a men's behaviour change program in the past year.
Individual sessions
Access up to 10 sessions, provided online or in-person, depending on your centre.
This program supports men who:
- have a connection to the Brimbank Melton, Southern Melbourne, Inner and Outer Eastern Melbourne, or Goulburn region
- have completed at least 3 sessions of an MBCP with any organisation* during the past year
- can identify their own behavioural goals related to safety values, beliefs and attitudes, and
- can show that they are motivated and committed to achieving these goals.
Sessions are organised on an individual basis with each participant. They are designed to give men an opportunity to build on the safety and accountability work that they started during their MBCP.
*Please note: If your MBCP is provided by another organisation, you will need to provide a letter confirming your participation, before joining a post-MBCP program at Relationships Australia Victoria.
Contact us
To learn more, express interest or make an appointment for an assessment, contact your nearest centre listed below.
- Boronia and Kew: Phone (03) 9725 9964 or email [email protected]
- Cranbourne North: Phone (03) 5911 5400 or email [email protected]
- Shepparton: Phone (03) 5820 7444 or email [email protected]
- Sunshine: Phone (03) 8311 9222 or email [email protected]
Men’s Case Management Program
Free, tailored support for men who want to stop using violent or harmful behaviours.
Who the program supports
Men aged 18 years and over who want to change their behaviour and overcome the challenges holding them back. These challenges may include housing instability and homelessness, drug and alcohol use and/or mental health struggles.
Take the first step towards positive change. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
How we can help
Our program is designed to support you through in-person or telephone sessions. We’ll work with you to develop your goals and can offer support in the following areas.
Referrals to services that can help you with:
- accommodation
- mental and physical health problems
- drug and alcohol use
- parenting issues
- financial issues
- legal issues
- employment
- social supports.
Education and support
- Understanding family violence: Learn about the impact of abuse, control and violence on family members.
- Supporting children: Understand how how family violence affects children.
- Referral to a men’s behaviour change program: Get more support to make lasting changes.
Family safety support
Family safety is a vital part of the program. Our staff will contact your family members to offer them support and assistance they might need. We do this because people exposed to or affected by family violence also need support.
Getting started
To begin, simply reach out to one of our centres in Boronia, Kew, Cranbourne North or Sunshine. We’ll organise a time for you to meet privately with one of our experienced case managers to discuss your situation.
If the program is suitable for you, we can offer up to 20 hours of personalised support.
During the program time, your case manager will work with you to identify your behaviour change and related goals, and will connect you to relevant support services. In some circumstances, we may also be able to help you meet costs associated with accessing these services.
Contact us
- Boronia and Kew: Phone (03) 9261 8700 or email [email protected]
- Cranbourne North: Phone (03) 5911 5400 or email [email protected]
- Sunshine: Phone (03) 8311 9222 or email [email protected]
Family safety support
Family safety is a vital part of these programs, so our family safety practitioners will contact your family members to offer them support and assistance.
We do this because people exposed to or affected by family violence also need support.