Join us for an insightful discussion with Mataio Faafetai (Matt) Brown from She Is Not Your Rehab about the power of mental health conversations and addressing childhood trauma in helping to prevent cycles of gendered violence. This event focuses specifically on male perspectives, recognising that promoting well-being among men contributes to a safer and more equitable society.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the solution! Let’s create a safer environment for everyone. 

PRESENTER BIO

Mataio Faafetai (Matt) Brown, is a New Zealand born Samoan author and renowned communicator who works to eradicate domestic violence by supporting those who perpetrate violence, to heal. A survivor of family violence and childhood sexual abuse himself, he originally started his domestic violence advocacy work by sharing his story with the men who frequented his busy barbershops as a way to foster vulnerability, healing, and connection. Matt believes his true calling lies in his work to redefine societies view of masculinity and to help end the cycle of domestic violence plaguing families all over the world.

For over a decade Matt has hosted free men’s anti-violence support groups from locations like barbershops, construction sites, gang pads, prisons and in indigenous spaces. He has facilitated multiple programs inside men’s and youth prisons and was named a Corrections NZ patron in 2020. Together with his partner Sarah, Matt co-founded She Is Not Your Rehab and launched the concept in Matt’s 2019 TEDx talk. He says the movement is an invitation for men to acknowledge their own childhood trauma and to take responsibility for their healing so that they can transform their pain instead of transmitting it on those around them. They released their first book; a NZ #1 Bestseller She Is Not Your Rehab, with the goal to encourage intergenerational healing in 2021

This event is organised by the UNSW Health Promotion Unit / UNSW Mental Health Network, UNSW Safer Communities, the University of Adelaide, the University of Newcastle Australia, the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland.

This event is brought to you as part of UNSW's annual festival of celebrating, questioning and exploring every aspect of sex and relationships. To learn more about SEXtember, check our website out here.

Content Context: Matt Brown is a barber turned domestic violence advocate. He is the founder of a radically compassionate hairdressing service aimed at breaking the cycle of intergenerational abuse.

Be aware that, as part of his talk, Matt may discuss his personal experiences of family violence and child sexual abuse; he may also discuss suicide. Matt has professional support but may still get emotional talking about his experience, affirming the role of story telling in healing,

How you choose to engage with this content is up to you. Matt has also written a book "she is not your rehab" , and delivered a TED talk "The barbershop where men go to heal". You can access these at any time.

If you attend, and would like to get some support afterwards, you can talk to someone who is trained to help. Free and confidential support services include 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

University-specific supports

The University of New South Wales: UNSW students can connect with on campus support here. UNSW staff can access EAP services (Converge International). Both students and staff of UNSW can put in a gendered violence report here to explore options or make a formal complaint.
The University of Adelaide provides accessible and non-discriminatory support options for members of the community who have experienced or witnessed sexual assault, sexual harassment, bullying and harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour through the support page.
The University of Newcastle: Connect with on campus support services here: Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Support (newcastle.edu.au) ; support others who have experienced sexual assault or harassment Supporting Someone Else - Personal Support - Current Students - The University of Newcastle, Australia
The University of Sydney's Safer Communities Office have specialist staff who provides trauma informed support to students and staff who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic/family violence, bullying, harassment and issues relating to modern slavery.
The University of Queensland's Sexual Misconduct Support Unit (SMSU) can provide support to survivors of sexual assault and harassment regardless of when or where the violence occurred.