Anglicare’s Men’s Behavioural Change program has operated in Ulladulla for the past few months and will look to expand to include group work.

Anglicare’s program manager Carolyn Bateman was inspired to the start the program after she had spoken to men, who were aghast at who they had become – many like their own fathers who had also been abusive.

Until January last year, there were no men’s behavioural change groups south of Wollongong. 

“Anglicare is committed to the safety of women and children and we acknowledge that men taking responsibility for their behaviour is a way to make women and children safe,” Ms Bateman said.

Anglicare’s Men’s Behaviour Change Program will offer groups for men, who want take responsibility for their actions and change their ways and the best father, husband and partner they can be.

“The goal of the program is to keep women and children safe by supporting and advocating for men to take responsibility for their behaviour,” she said.

“The groups run for 10 sessions. Participants share their experiences and help each other be accountable for their actions.”

Men, who are interested, must attend two pre-group consultations with Anglicare’s Behaviour Change Co-ordinator to see if the group is suitable for them.

The men’s worker can also help with referrals to various support services including counselling, drug and alcohol services, and parenting support.

An Anglicare Women’s Advocate contacts the men's current and former partners to offer support, referrals and safety plans where necessary.

The program has the support of local women’s family and domestic violence services.