Safer steps with helpline support

Recent data from No to Violence shows a year-on-year increase in calls by men who use domestic violence during the AFL finals, and the group is encouraging men to come forward for support.

No to Violence has been working with men who use family violence, for almost 30 years, providing intervention, counselling and support for men who want to change their behaviour.

In 2021, there was a 34 per cent increase in referrals to No to Violence’s Men’s Referral Service the week after the AFL Grand Final. There was a similar increase of 32 per cent in 2020 during the week of the AFL Grand Final, and a 15 per cent increase in 2019.

While the increase may seem concerning, No to Violence CEO Jacqui Watt says the increase is a result of 30 years of support work, and more men becoming aware of the service – a trend she hopes to see continue.

“More men are becoming aware of our service, and understand there is somewhere they can turn when they need it. The footy final season can be stressful for many, and we are here for those men when they need support to avoid their behaviour escalating,” Ms Watt said.

“We invite all sports clubs from the smallest community club to the largest to list our number and refer men who use violence to 1300 766 491, or go online and chat to one of our professionals.”

With the integral part sport plays in Australian culture, Ms Watt said there was an “exciting opportunity for sport to be a vehicle for change”.

“The attitudes and behaviours modelled by players, coaches, media personalities and supporters are instrumental in shaping the values of communities. As the peak body working with men to end family violence, we welcome the opportunity to partner with sport organisations who are committed to driving change,” she said.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Ros Spence, praised No to Violence for its crucial work, and urged men who have used family violence, or know someone who does, to seek support.

“We know that family violence rates can spike around the time of major sporting events. No to Violence and the Men’s Referral Service do important work to help men change their behaviour to stop violence before it starts,” Ms Spence said.

“We all need to play our part in ending family violence. If you are concerned with your behaviour or the behaviour of a friend or family member, please contact the Men’s Referral Service.”

If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, dial 000. For advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you are experiencing family violence, you can contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.