$2.7M for early support programs to tackle domestic violence aligns with the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.
In a significant step towards addressing violence against women and children, the Albanese Labor Government has pledged additional funding for early intervention support services targeting men, including those who either perpetrate or experience family and domestic violence.
The government’s new commitment includes $1.89 million for No to Violence’s Men’s Referral Service and Brief Intervention Service from 2024 to 2026, alongside a $800,000 boost for Lifeline Australia’s MensLine Australia in 2024-25.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasised that the funding would help meet the early intervention objectives outlined in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. “The increased awareness of family, domestic, and sexual violence, along with media campaigns such as ‘Stop It at the Start’ and ‘Consent Can’t Wait,’ has led more individuals to seek support,” Rishworth said. “This is a positive development, and early intervention services are playing an essential role in addressing the issue.”
Since 2022, the Albanese government has invested $4 billion across 113 initiatives aimed at fulfilling the National Plan’s goal of ending violence against women. Rishworth added, “Over $400 million of this investment has been directed towards early intervention services, reinforcing our commitment to ending violence against women within a generation.”
Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, also welcomed the funding boost, recognising the importance of early intervention in halting the cycle of violence. “We are proud to deliver almost $2.7 million in additional funding for services that help men seek help before violence escalates,” Elliot said. “These national programs engage with men at a critical stage, protecting victims from both immediate and long-term harm.”
The services funded by the government include No to Violence’s Men’s Referral Service, which provides 24/7 counselling, information, and referrals for men using violence, their families, and professionals working with them. Additionally, the Brief Intervention Service offers multi-session telephone counselling and referrals to help men access further support.
Lifeline’s MensLine Australia, a 24/7 national service, supports men dealing with mental health, addiction, anger management, stress, and relationship challenges, including issues related to family and domestic violence.
For more information about the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, visit the Department of Social Services website. Those seeking support can contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or visit their website for online chat and video services. Men concerned about their own behaviours can reach the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
Further, the 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support line is available for those seeking confidential assistance at 13 92 76.
This additional funding signals a commitment by the Albanese Labor Government to tackle domestic violence through early intervention, offering a glimmer of hope for long-term change.
Also read: $43M partnership in WA to combat family and domestic violence
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