The Men’s Referral Service has been operating since 1993 and since that time has become a valued and highly regarded part of the Victorian family violence system. We are program of Victoria's peak male family violence prevention association, No To Violence, funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services.

The Men's Referral Service primarily provides a telephone counselling service for:

• men who might be using violent and controlling behaviour towards a partner or family member
• women wishing to find information about male family violence for their partners or for themselves
• friends, family or colleagues of people who are either using or experiencing family violence
• professionals wishing to support a male or female client

We also operate a community education service.

Services for men in the community

We provide free, anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to men to assist them to take action to stop their violent and controlling behaviour.

When a man calls the Men’s Referral Service:

• he doesn't need to give his name or any other identifying details 
• he will be treated with respect
• he will not be seen as a bad person for his behaviour
• the telephone counsellor will do their utmost to ensure that he and the people affected by his behaviour can get all the help, support and safety they deserve
• the telephone counsellor will provide him with details for the two men’s behaviour change groups closest to where they live, so that they can contact them to take their next steps.

Services for women in the community

We take calls from women who are looking for information about their own wellbeing and safety, and/or seeking help on behalf of their partner or male family member.

When a woman calls us, the telephone counsellor will: 

• believe her 
• support her rights to live freely and without fear, and to make her own decisions and choices 
• give her information about her options 
• talk with her about what her partner could do to change (IF she wants to know more about this). 

Services for human services professionals and health practitioners

We help professionals in many fields to:

• find the most appropriate services for male clients who have been using violence toward their partner or family members
• inform themselves about men’s behaviour change 
• decide on a course of action to support a client. 

When you call the Men’s Referral Service, the telephone counsellor will:

• hear your concerns about the client you are calling about 
• talk with you about what you can do to work towards the safety of any women and children who might be at risk
• inform you of support and referral options for the man using violence, and for any women who are at risk from his use of violence 
• discuss how to encourage him to seek help to change his behaviour 

Community education

We have a community education service staffed by a community education coordinator, and volunteers. We are involved in campaigns such as White Ribbon Day and other activities to encourage men in the community to take a stand against male family violence. We can organise a speaker to come out to your organisation to talk about male family violence prevention, and how you and your colleagues can make use of the Men's Referral Service.