Change Starts with You

Violence Against Women is Preventable

Congratulations on taking a step towards being an active bystander.

On this page we have put together some information and tips on simple but significant actions you can take to call-out harmful behaviours and attitudes in your everyday settings.

Be part of the solution

A bystander is someone who sees or hears about an act of sexism, harassment, discrimination, or any other form of inappropriate or violent behaviour.

People who witness this behaviour (but are not involved either as perpetrators or victims/survivors) are in a position to be powerful allies in challenging sexist and discriminatory behaviours and attitudes.

Bystander action refers to ‘how’ a bystander calls out, or engages others in responding to incidences of violence, sexism, harassment, or discrimination. There is no ‘right way’ to be an active bystander. Depending on the situation at hand, various forms of intervention can be deployed, and a bystander should consider their own comfort and safety above all else.

Now that you know what you can do as a bystander, tell us if you will be an active bystander when you see or hear harmful, inappropriate, or violent behaviours.

Youth Resource

Download the Youth Resource “Change Start with You” for more information.

Download Youth Resource

DPV Health Support Services

Counselling and Psychology 

At DPV Health our team of social workers, psychologists, and mental health nurses offer a safe, respectful, and confidential service to suit your individual needs. You can talk to these professionals about many issues, including family violence. We offer face-to-face counselling, casework and group work in a respectful, empathic, non-judgmental way. Our services may help you to manage stress, find a way to cope, build on strengths, develop healthier lifestyles, and explore alternative solutions to the issues you are facing. We can also refer you to other services that are specialised in family violence. To find out more information, click here.

Men’s Behaviour Change Program 

To help address loneliness and feelings of isolation and to help understand family violence, DPV Health offers a 20-week intensive and supportive program that helps individuals understand coercive behaviours and the causes and impact of family violence. The program helps you to make changes to be a better partner/ex-partner or father, overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation, and support your community inclusion.

This program is suitable for men who want to identify, understand, and take responsibility for their abusive behaviours. It is an opportunity to learn new ways to deal with anger without violence, and enhance self-control, self-care, and the safety of your partner and children.

To find out more information, click here.  For more information or to book an appointment with our experienced team, call 1300 234 263 and select option 4.

Get Help and Support

If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence or any other kind of abuse, reach out for help. Is someone in danger now? Call 000 for an emergency. To find out more about the support that is available, click here. 

To find out more on DPV Health’s support services, click here. To book an appointment, call 1300 234 263 or to send an enquiry, click here.  If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence or any other kind of abuse, reach out for help.