Program aims to reduce domestic violence by addressing harmful behaviours in men

THERE’S been an alarming rise in the number of family and domestic violence offences against women and children in Australia.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed the number of offenders increased by eight per cent in 2024-25, to 97,800 offenders nationally, representing the largest annual increase since national reporting began.

The statistics on violence against women and children tell an alarming story:

• 1 in 4 (23 per cent or 2.3 million) women have experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15
• 1 in 5 has experienced sexual violence.
• Rates of violence are even higher for certain groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
• Around 2 in 3 women who experience violence from a cohabiting partner report that children in their care have seen or heard the violence.

The impacts have lifelong consequences for children’s safety, wellbeing, and development.

Research also shows alcohol and other drug use can increase the risk and severity of domestic and family violence. Australian Institute of Criminology research found alcohol is involved in approximately one-third of intimate partner violence incidents.

While excessive alcohol and other drug use does not excuse, cause, or justify violent behaviour, it does highlight the need for integrated responses that address both substance use and the accountability of users of violence.

Landmark funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation will enable Odyssey House NSW to expand its TRACKS program, helping fathers address harmful behaviours before they escalate and supporting safer homes for children and families.

As one of Australia’s largest alcohol and other drug rehabilitation providers, Odyssey supports thousands of people each year through residential rehabilitation, withdrawal services, family support, counselling, and community-based programs.

The grant will enable the expansion of TRACKS (Towards Recovery, Accountability and Change for Kids and Self), a specialist behaviour change program designed to help fathers recognise the early warning signs of using violence, take responsibility for their actions, address problematic substance use, and build safer, healthier relationships with their children and families.

Odyssey’s Chief Executive Officer, Carmel Tebbutt said early intervention with fathers represents one of the most important opportunities to prevent harm before families reach crisis point.

“The ABS figures show we cannot afford to focus only on responding to violence after it occurs,” she said.

“We need to invest in prevention and earlier intervention with the people using violence. We need a much greater focus on the behaviours, attitudes, and choices of those causing harm.”

The additional funding will support specialist staffing and independent research to further strengthen and evaluate the program’s impact.

Support is available through the National Domestic Family Violence and Sexual Assault Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732, or Lifeline 13 11 14.

Support and counselling specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is available at 13YARN on 13 92 76.

Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline is free and confidential, and available 24/7 on 1800 497 212.