The evolution of casework within men’s behaviour change interventions over the past three years is an unexpected pandemic success story. While casework has always been a component of men’s behaviour change programs, it was only with the unplanned break in delivering group programs that practitioners were fully able to explore the potential of casework in promoting women and children’s safety, and supporting behaviour change in men who use violence.

In this presentation, Relationships Australia NSW’s Family Safety Program will share learnings from innovating our casework approach over this period. Drawing on case examples from outer Sydney and regional programs, as well as evaluation data from clients and practitioners, we will describe how ongoing casework offers improved opportunities for risk coordination with other agencies, building trust and deepening engagement, and referral to a wider range of services. We will also discuss the our learnings about the relationship between casework and groupwork, and the role of a combined approach in men’s behaviour change interventions.

Most importantly, we will explain the benefits of longer-term engagement, through casework and follow-on group programs, in increasing visibility of men who use violence, and sharing information through Women & Children’s Advocacy to support victim-survivors’ safety and choices.