8 December 2025

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, No to Violence, the Australian peak body for organisations and individuals committed to ending men’s use of family violence, has launched a new national campaign titled Change is Your Call.

No to Violence will bring its message directly to men through radio and broadcast advertising during the cricket season, a unique environment often dominated by alcohol and gambling promotions. The campaign will run throughout key test matches as part of The Ashes, engaging men at a time when demand for domestic and family violence support typically increases around major sporting events.

“Sport has enormous cultural influence in Australia, and cricket in particular has broad appeal to men across cultures, ages, communities and social backgrounds,” said Phillip Ripper, CEO of No to Violence. “By engaging with cricket audiences, we’re reaching men where they are, at a time when the conversation about respect, accountability and change matters most. Our message is simple: Change is your call. Help is available, and taking responsibility is the first step.”

The campaign promotes the Men’s Referral Service, a confidential counselling and referral program operated by No to Violence that support men to take responsibility for their actions and seek help to change their behaviour.

During 2024–25, the Men’s Referral Service received more than 10,000 calls and webchats, for men seeking to build safer relationships and end their use of violence.

The campaign will also extend online across video and social platforms to encourage men to seek support, explore help anonymously, and start genuine conversations about change.

“About 1 in 3 Australian men say they have used intimate partner violence – and most of them want to stop. We want men to have a place to reach out to, and help to change their behaviour,” Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek said.

“Major sporting events sit at the heart of Australian life, yet they are often associated with spikes in family and domestic violence,” Minister Plibersek said. “This campaign seeks to foster positive behaviour change at these times by encouraging accountability, building respect and seeking support.” “Ending family violence requires men to recognise that violence is a choice, and that change is possible. This campaign invites men to take that first step,” Mr Ripper said.