MEN’S Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) are set to be rolled out across an additional seven locations across NSW, including Gloucester and Maitland, following a $10 million investment from the NSW Government.

MBCPs are evidence-based group programs and services that focus on working with perpetrators of domestic and family violence to reduce or prevent the recurrence of abusive behaviour.

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Between 2022 and 2024, 1,800 men participated in MBCPs in NSW.

Following this expansion, the programs will be available across 35 locations through 15 providers.

The new locations are:

● Nowra, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare

● Ulladulla, Shoalhaven LGA – Anglicare

● Forster, MidCoast LGA – Manning Support Services

● Gloucester, MidCoast LGA – Manning Support Services

● Lithgow, Lithgow LGA – Plus Community

● Blacktown, Blacktown LGA – Relationships Australia

● Maitland, Maitland LGA – Relationships Australia.

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said the program’s expansion will promote the safety of women and children by “holding men accountable for their violent and abusive behaviour and supporting them to change”.

“Programs like this can encourage participants to take responsibility for their behaviour and provide them with the skills and tools necessary to stop using violence and maintain respectful relationships.”

Relationships Australia NSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw said, “Promoting the safety of women and children is essential to preventing domestic and family violence in our communities.

“Our Men’s Behaviour Change Program works with men who use violence to take responsibility, guiding them to be accountable for their actions and stop abusive behaviours in their family relationships.

“These men have recognised the need to change and have sought support to become safer partners and fathers.

“Through the program, they reflect on their behaviour, understand the underlying drivers of violence, and learn practical tools and strategies to manage themselves and de-escalate potentially aggressive situations.

“We also work with the men’s current or former partners and their children to ensure their safety and support recovery.

“Many have shared with us that they are now living in safe and respectful homes, free from violence.”

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.