About the book
No Buts is a book about men we rarely hear about.
As a society, we hear appalling stories about homicides and violent and abusive crimes perpetrated by men against women and children. We are relieved to hear when the perpetrators are incarcerated, and we are supportive of funding being used to protect women and children.
However, we rarely hear of the men who live with a belly full of guilt and shame and who want to change their behaviour.
The stories in this book are written by men who achieved behaviour change. They are written with the aim of encouraging other men to seek help.
The stories were compiled by social worker Margaret Chipperfield, who began working in the Men’s Behaviour Change Program at Anglicare Victoria in 2013. Men either attended voluntarily or were mandated by the courts to attend the 20 week program.
A long term follow up group for continued support and learning was established and over time around 20 men volunteered. Many attended these sessions for up to three years with Margaret and her colleagues. It is from this ongoing group that the No Buts book emerged.
While this book is about men and, in many cases, their untapped potential, it in no way diminishes the suffering that men have inflicted upon women and children.
It is because of this intolerable damage that this book has come to be written: to examine the root cause of the problem, seek an understanding and some solutions, and most of all, to encourage men who need it to seek assistance.
Change can happen and other men can help.
No Buts – Twelve inspiring stories from men who changed their violent or abusive behaviour
By Margaret Chipperfield
Available at all good bookstores and online retailers from 19 March 2024.
