The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

Minister for Social Services

Member for Kingston

Senator Jana Stewart

Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba

Senator for Victoria

The Albanese Labor Government is highlighting the importance of early intervention to end gender-based violence with the commitment of more than $23 million for programs across the country.

The funding will be provided to organisations to support young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years who present with adverse childhood experiences, including family and domestic violence.

In Victoria, funding of $2.18 million will allow the Bridge Youth Service Incorporated to deliver the Shepparton Supporting Adolescent Boys Trial to help young men and boys in the region to heal and recover through services that are culturally safe and responsive, trauma and healing-informed, strengths-based and tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart said funding the trial in Shepparton would provide individual counselling and therapeutic supports for young men and boys to help break future cycles of violence.

“As someone who has worked on the frontlines of family violence, I know the importance of early intervention to help young people find a new path. Ensuring that culturally safe and tailored support is available can make all the difference in shaping a young persons’ future success,” Senator Stewart said.

“This trial will allow our young men and boys who are often victim-survivors in their own right, to address the impacts of developmental trauma and foster healing and recovery to help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic or sexual violence in their own relationships”.

“We want young men and boys who have experienced family and domestic violence to know they have a place of support here in Shepparton”.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted early intervention and prevention as key goals in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“Early intervention is a key focus for the Commonwealth Government, and successful applicants like the Bridge Youth Service have demonstrated targeted approaches to working with young men and boys,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This will ultimately assist the Shepparton region, and sites across Australia, to contribute to ending the cycle of violence, starting with the younger generation.”

More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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