National Winner of the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards 2003

LifeWorks’ Family Violence Prevention services provide support to all family members who have experienced or witnessed violence and abuse. The safety of partners, children and family members is paramount in the provision of our services. LifeWorks Relationship Counselling and Education Services provides a whole of family approach to family violence prevention. All of LifeWorks' services require the screening for family and domestic violence and the development of appropriate interventions such as counselling, dispute resolution, group programs and referral.

 The safety of women and children who have experienced or witnessed violence or abuse is of paramount concern to LifeWorks' staff.

The Men's Behaviour Change Program is available to men who are ready to make the commitment to change, to take responsibility for their behaviour and practice the concepts and strategies involved. The program is designed to assist men to handle conflict and difficult emotions with more confidence and self-control.

Throughout the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, contact is made with family members to offer support and counselling. Partners are invited to attend a group session which is held half way through the program.

Research shows that 85% to 90% of victims of domestic violence are women assaulted by male partners (sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence). Of the other 10% to 15% of cases, men, or men and women in same-sex relationships may be victims. These men and women may face additional isolation and fear due to social attitudes toward gender roles and/or sexual orientation.

Australian Bureau of Statistics research also indicates that 18% of women experience sexual violence and 33% experience physical assault, with children being present in approximately 89% of such incidents.

LifeWorks is committed to reducing the level of family violence in our community.