COVID-19 restrictions are creating a mounting backlog in the number of men waiting to participate in family violence programs.
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At any one time, the Bendigo-based Centre for Non-Violence can run three groups of up to 12 people in a men's behaviour change program.
But COVID-19 meant CNV had to put the group work on hold.
Now there are 53 men in line to participate in a men's behaviour change program group - more than four groups.
"We do have some concerns about the increasing number of men on our waiting list, and we are constantly looking at our response to that," CNV client services general manager Yvette Jaczina said.
"We are actively engaged with the men on our waiting list through telephone support, but we are now in a position where we are struggling with resources."
Ms Jaczina said it was hoped the organisation would be able to accommodate more groups when restrictions lift, but support was needed.
"We have brought in extra resources, and when we return to business as usual we hope to commence four groups so we can respond to the waiting list," she said.
"Resourcing needs to be considered by government for when we resume business as usual, to ensure we can respond to the men on our waiting list when we're in a position to do so."
Ms Jaczina said the problem CNV faced was a statewide issue.
A survey of men's behaviour change program providers, mostly in Victoria and NSW, by No To Violence found about 30 per cent of programs remained closed because of restrictions, and the average wait time for a man entering the program was two and a half months.
Before the pandemic struck, participants would wait three days for intake, an average of 30 days for a comprehensive assessment, and an average of 18 days to start the program.
The men's behaviour change program works with men to address their use of violence and abusive behaviours in relationships with partners and other family members.
The state government has not yet responded to the Bendigo Advertiser's enquiries about further support for such programs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, call the Centre for Non-Violence on 1800 884 292.
The Men's Referral Service provides counselling to men who carry out family violence, on 1300 766 491.
In an emergency, call 000.