Suicide and Self-Harm

Mensline Australia regularly receives calls from callers who present with suicidal ideation or as a suicide in progress. In response to these callers, Mensline Australia counsellors will carry out a thorough risk assessment to:

• assess the client’s level of distress and the degree of risk they pose to themselves
• defuse the emotional distress and intervene appropriately to ensure safety
• refer to local services to provide ongoing support and advice
• link to emergency services when necessary.

Domestic and Family Violence

Mensline Australia believes the use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or economic abuse in family and intimate relationships is always unacceptable and in some cases is against the law. We believe that any person using violence is solely responsible for their behaviour and we will work with people to accept that responsibility and connect with services in the community to facilitate behaviour change. In our work with callers we will take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the person experiencing abuse and will encourage them to seek suitable supports.

Children

Mensline Australia work from a framework of being advocates for children.  In the course of our work the safety and welfare of children either under the care of callers or known to callers may come into question.  As part of its service response Mensline Australia will apply procedures to screen calls to identify and assess the presence of child welfare and safety issues.

If violence and or abuse of children is identified in a call, Mensline Australia will work with authorities Australia wide, guided by the principles of The Victorian Children and Young Persons Act 1989, to ensure their ongoing safety.