Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Damon Cronshaw

'Men need to be accountable': domestic violence project's new approach

Mark Hoppe says men need to be "accountable and visible" on the domestic violence issue. Picture by Marina Neil

A project to help Hunter men concerned about their behaviour, particularly in domestic violence situations, will be launched on Thursday.

It includes a new website and pamphlet that encourages affected men to reflect and seek support.

The Hunter Men's Projects Network developed the approach to guide men to support services.

It was co-funded by the five Hunter domestic violence committees and Family Support Newcastle.

The project will be launched at Wallsend Library on Thursday.

Hunter Men's Projects Network member Mark Hoppe said it was for men who "might be having trouble in their relationship or issues with their behaviour, partner, former partner or children".

The pamphlet has questions and images that invite men to reflect on what might be happening in these situations.

It includes a QR code to the website, which has links to support services, groups, programs, tips and tools.

Mr Hoppe said it was important "to have a man being visible" to promote the program "because in this space men are often invisible".

"Part of this launch is about having a man stand up and say men need to be accountable, responsible and visible and start to actively do something in this space," he said.

He said this was needed to help overcome victim survivor blaming and the "why didn't she leave" attitude.

The network is a group of services that work with men in the Hunter Region.

"We're getting together and saying we need to have a more focused approach and share ideas with the way we're working with men," he said.

"That's particularly for the area of domestic violence, but other areas of support as well."

Lisa Ronneburg, the Newcastle Domestic Violence Committee chairperson, said "there has to be investment and work done in prevention".

"That's the aim of this - that early intervention," Ms Ronneburg said.

"It's about having a space where men can find support when they need it.

"If it exists then hopefully men will access it. If it doesn't exist, then it just makes it harder for men to access something when they need it."

The network plans to talk to NSW Police domestic violence liaison officers to get their support.

Mr Hoppe said police could give the pamphlet to men when they issue an AVO.

It will be distributed to multiple services across the Hunter and may be put in GP waiting areas, clubs and sporting places.

"Hopefully it's something that will engage with men and get them to connect with services."

Sian Ord, of Relationships Australia, backed the project.

"Users of violence need support to behave differently and have respectful relationships," Ms Ord said.

"In my experience, that's what men who use violence do actually want. They don't necessarily have a roadmap or know where to go for support."

Ms Ord said there wasn't a central place for men to get information to access support services, after facing an AVO, police charges or family court issue.

"This provides a one-stop shop."

The launch will feature a presentation on the "Name Narrate Navigate" program, which was created in the Hunter.

This program highlights that many people who use violence have been victims of "interpersonal, family and/or systemic and structural violence, abuse and neglect".

Visit huntermensprojectsnetwork.au for details.

  • Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; MensLine 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732. Phone triple zero 000 in an emergency.
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.