The Bridge Youth Service is one of only 12 specialist organisations across Australia chosen to deliver an early intervention program for teenage boys at risk of using family violence.

For the next three years, the Federal Government will invest more than $23 million into the trial in metropolitan, regional and remote parts of Australia.

The Bridge Youth Service CEO Melinda Lawley said the “supporting adolescent boys” trial would have a profound impact on young lives.

“As an organisation dedicated to supporting young people in crisis, we see this as an unparalleled opportunity to intervene early and support young people in their recovery from violence,” Ms Lawley said.

“By addressing trauma before it manifests in harmful behaviours, we can help these young boys build healthier relationships in adulthood.

“This initiative not only reflects our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of young people but also aims to create a future where cycles of violence are disrupted.”

Ms Lawley said family violence had profound impacts on the health, wellbeing and development of children and young people.

“A snapshot survey we did on all young people in our service in a two-week block revealed 70 per cent were impacted by family violence – and this was across our homelessness services, school disengagement, young parenting programs and our mental health, and drug and alcohol response services,” Ms Lawley said.

An estimated 2.7 million Australians aged 18 and over have experienced physical or sexual abuse by an adult before the age of 15, according to the ABS.

“Supporting children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and addressing the impacts of developmental trauma to help healing and recovery will help break future cycles of violence,” Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said.

“There are currently only limited and inconsistent services available across Australia that specifically support children and young people who have experienced violence and are themselves using or at risk of using violence, and this trial will help address this gap.”

The Bridge Youth Service will be tasked with creating a new early intervention program for young men and boys aged 12 to 18 who have had adverse childhood experiences.

These factors include experience with family and domestic violence and who are using or at risk of using family violence.

Supports will include one-on-one counselling, case management and youth mentoring along with personalised safety plans and assessments.

Each is aimed to be culturally safe and trauma-informed, and support will be tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of participants.

In collaboration with the Australian Childhood Foundation and FamilyCare, The Bridge Youth Service will expand its staff to deliver the program, which is anticipated to launch in early 2025.

“We are pleased that this opportunity has resulted in establishing a partnership with the Australian Childhood Foundation, an organisation with expertise in this field and one we haven’t collaborated with in the past,” Ms Lawley said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, phone 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at beyondblue.org.au  and  lifeline.org.au

Anyone seeking information or support relating to child sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.