MEJ Charity Spotlight: Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Menslink

Each month the MEJ team shines a light on the organisations making a real difference in our community and beyond. These two Canberra organisations are popular choices from our team, as they carry out vital, often life-changing work: the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and Menslink.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service

This month’s first spotlight goes to the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS).

Founded in 1988, DVCS is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation committed to providing specialist domestic and family violence support services to anyone in the ACT region. With a vision of a world free from violence and abuse, DVCS draws on evidence and research to deliver services that bring people, and safety, closer together.

For more than 35 years, DVCS has been a lifeline for people in our community facing some of the most frightening and difficult circumstances imaginable. Their specialist, evidence-informed approach means that the people who reach out receive support that is not only compassionate but genuinely effective.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can reach DVCS directly via their website.

Menslink

Our second spotlight this month goes to Menslink, an organisation supporting young men in Canberra since 2002. 

Their work consists of three core programs: evidence-based educational sessions in schools and community groups, intensive short-term counselling, and longer-term mentoring from positive male role models, particularly for young men who are socially isolated or without consistent male guidance in their lives.

The need for these programs is real and urgent. Four in five suicides are men, and suicide remains the leading cause of male death in every age group from 15 to 44. School dropout rates for young men are nearly double those of their peers, and youth unemployment and juvenile justice statistics paint a similarly concerning picture.

We are proud to spotlight Menslink this month and encourage anyone who wants to support or get involved with their programs to visit menslink.org.au.

We spotlight charities each month, giving our team the chance to celebrate the people and organisations making Canberra a better place to live. Keep an eye out for our next spotlight on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.