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The importance of early intervention to break the cycle of domestic and intimate partner violence

Back in September, Human Nature proudly participated in the 2024 No to Violence Conference in Naarm (Melbourne). Represented by Andy Hamilton, Jen Parke and Kane Abbott, with facilitation from Tom Mulvaney, Australasian Director Young Men’s Health at Movember, we joined a conversation on the critical role of early intervention in supporting young people affected by domestic and intimate partner violence. Thanks to the generous support of Belinda Seaton, who funded our team’s attendance, we were able to share insights and connect with others committed to ending family violence.

The conference’s theme, “Leading Radical Change: A Call to Action to End Men’s Family Violence,” resonates deeply with Human Nature’s approach. We believe that engaging at-risk youth early and well – during those pivotal adolescent years – can transform their trajectories and interrupt cycles of trauma and violence. The tragic reality is that individuals who later use violence in relationships were once young people, many with unresolved traumas, often resulting from experiences of abuse, neglect and unsafe environments.

The lasting impact of gender-based violence

The connection between gender-based violence (GBV) and poor mental health, particularly among young women, has been well-documented. Gender-based violence – such as intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse – disproportionately affects young women, who are three times more likely to experience trauma from these acts than their male counterparts. According to a recent Prevention United report, 45.5% of Australian females aged 16-24 have faced mental health challenges, driven in part by their exposure to GBV during formative years. This trauma contributes to severe mental health impacts, including anxiety, PTSD and even suicide attempts..

It’s essential to support young people in healing from trauma, and that begins with addressing their mental health needs holistically. Human Nature’s model combines nature-based therapy with mental health support, allowing young people to form a positive relationship with their therapist or mentor. We work with our clients to develop their self-awareness, socio-emotional skills and empathy – all crucial tools to help break cycles of violence.

Our approach: engagement and relational support

A key differentiator of Human Nature’s approach is shown by our 95% engagement rate, which speaks to our success in reaching those who cannot engage with conventional mental health services. Many of the young people we support have encountered violence either directly or within their families, making them vulnerable to behaviours and coping mechanisms that can evolve into the use of violence later in life. At Human Nature we create safe spaces where young people can address these issues openly, working through anger and hurt in constructive ways. As our Founder, Andy emphasises “Every user of violence was once a child.” By reaching these young people, and intervening early, we are fostering positive transformation during their most formative years.

For young men in particular – who are often less likely to seek therapeutic support – our nature-based model provides an accessible, relationship-centred alternative that really resonates. By engaging in activities that build connection, such as hiking or fishing, young men in our programs find a space where they feel valued and understood and able to open up.

Why early intervention matters

Studies suggest that trauma from GBV is an accelerant for future victimisation and perpetration. Without intervention, cycles of violence perpetuate, affecting not only individuals but also their families and communities. Early intervention, supported by compassionate care and targeted resources, has the power to change this trajectory. A staggering 78% of our clients report a significant improvement in their self-esteem after six months, and 72% see better engagement in school – proof of the transformative impact that relational, therapeutic support can provide.

Breaking intergenerational cycles of violence requires dedicated resources and a commitment to addressing underlying issues. As our Head of Operations, Jen Parke reflected at the conference, “Applying a justice reinvestment lens means investing in these young people now, rather than paying the price later in criminal justice costs and continued cycles of harm.”

Human Nature is committed to continuing this work, with ongoing gratitude to all our supporters who help us to create a brighter future for young people in the Far North Coast. Thank you also to Lizette Twisleton and the No to Violence conference team for making this critical event possible.

Andy Hamilton, Jen Parke and Kane Abbott on stage at the NTV Conference Sept 2024

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