06 May, 2026
In an Australian first, the For Baby’s Sake programme, which supports parents during the perinatal period to recognise the impact of domestic abuse and break intergenerational cycles of harm, is set to commence in Ballarat.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Melissa Horne announced $400,000 for Ballarat Child and Family Services (Cafs) to run For Baby’s Sake as part of Respect Ballarat, a community approach to preventing gendered violence.
“We are thrilled that Cafs are piloting delivery of For Baby’s Sake with families in Ballarat. Having delivered the programme to families impacted by intergenerational violence and abuse for over 10 years in the UK, we know it can lead to profound change in families’ lives. We look forward to sharing the learning and working in partnership to impact many young lives for generations to come.”
Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO, The For Baby's Sake Trust
For Baby’s Sake, developed by The For Baby’s Sake Trust, is an evidence-based, early intervention model designed to reduce the impact of domestic abuse (or family violence, as it is referred to in Australia) before and after birth. The programme aims to break intergenerational cycles of harm by addressing trauma, the gendered drivers of violence, infant mental health, and parenting.
For Baby’s Sake employs a two-generation approach, delivering intensive therapeutic interventions to support expectant co-parents and children aged 0–2 years who have experienced domestic abuse by intervening during the first 1,000 days, when both neurodevelopmental impact and parental motivation for change are at their peak.
“As a community we need to build a suite of early intervention services that support parents, especially fathers, to break cycles of family violence and build healthy positive relationships with their children to give them the best start in life. This programme will give us that chance."
Wendy Sturgess, CEO of Cafs
The For Baby’s Sake Trust’s robust evidence base demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness and impact in breaking intergenerational cycles of harm by tackling the cycle of domestic abuse, intervening early and placing children at the centre of its response. It builds upon Respect Victoria’s focus on new parents, particularly fathers, in addressing the gendered drivers of family violence.
Within the UK, The For Baby’s Sake Trust holds a powerful dual position as both an early years and a domestic abuse charity, working at the point where these two systems most urgently need to meet. Through their flagship programme, For Baby’s Sake, local and national advocacy, cross-sector engagement and multi-agency collaboration, The For Baby’s Sake Trust calls for the systems to unite, and supports the government’s aims to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within the next decade.
