MensLine Australia has released its latest tip sheet for men who have experienced domestic violence- Are you experiencing family violence?. This complements the already well used tip sheets Do you have a problem with family violence? and Family violence in same sex relationships. All the tip sheets are found on the www.menslineaus.org.au  website – see list below.

The MensLine Australia website contains a wide range of tip sheets on different issues. These information sheets are vital in working with men as they provide a tangible tool for them to digest in their own time. In community service/counselling/ health programs, sometimes male clients may resist considering new ideas, however, being able to subsequently reflect on this information, often results in new ways of viewing situations.

Each sheet is available online or in a printer friendly version. The tip sheets also connect men with the MensLine Australia Phoneline and Call-back Service. These programs provide 24/7 free counselling for men and wrap-around support that complements the program provided by your organisation.

MensLine Australia is a dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns. MensLine Australia is:

• for all men and all relationships
•  a specialist service providing counselling, information and referral
• a call-back service for isolated men to receive immediate access to short-term counselling until they can access other programs/support in their area
• staffed by paid, qualified professionals
• confidential and anonymous
• available Australia-wide
• accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• the cost of a local call (excludes mobiles)

Men can access MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or www.menslineaus.org.au 

Tip sheet topics...

• 1.       Communication
• 2.       Managing conflict
• 3.       Do you have a problem with family violence?
• 4.       Are you experiencing family violence?
• 5.       Is your relationship in trouble?
• 6.       Ten ways to become a better partner
• 7.       Men and intimacy
• 8.       Children and separation
• 9.       Fathering from a distance
• 10.   Separation: Looking after yourself
• 11.   Parenting tips for separated dads
• 12.   Managing anger
• 13.   Men and emotions
• 14.   Mental wellbeing for men
• 15.   Older men and depression
• 16.   Separation in later life
• 17.   Adjusting to retirement
• 18.   Communication in same sex male relationships
• 19.   Family violence in same sex relationships
• 20.   Healthy relationships quiz (completed on website)

Tip sheets are a powerful tool – see the reflection by a MLA Counsellor below:

“I just received an inspiring call that I think all of you would like to know about. The caller decided to look in to our MLA website just to have a read through it. He looked at all the sections leaving behind the chapter on Family Violence. He then decided to read it and realised that even though he does not physically harm his wife he came to the realisation that he emotionally and verbally abuses his family and friends. He said that right after reading this chapter he cried for an hour and he said that he has not cried for many years. He said that if he had not found himself reading that chapter he would not have recognised the harm he has been causing his family and friends. He is now willing to accept and acknowledge to his family and friends that he has been harmful and that he will be seeking help to change his behaviour. This was an inspiring call for me and reassured to me that information and education can make a big difference in people’s lives”.