A new training program to address domestic violence is about to be rolled out in Ballarat, and this time it’ll be aimed mainly at adult men.
Named ‘Allies of Change,’ the program recognizes that if society is to see a reduction in violence towards women, then the change needs to be driven largely by men.
Dave Burt from Sport and Life Training, who’ll be running the program, says there appears to be a groundswell of male support for the idea.
“There’s strong evidence now that’s well understood that men need to be the advocates in this space,” he said.
“Being in that ‘man-box’ or that closed definition of manhood is unhealthy for everybody and nobody really sets out wanting to get there.”
The new program comes as student leaders from Ballarat high schools collaborated today at a forum, in a bid to tackle gender-based violence in the community.
Started by Phoenix P-12 Community College, the forum allowed students to share their ideas, which could lead to further events or projects that change locals’ behavior.
