Leo Ryan

Leo began counseling on a half time basis in 1978 and his partner at the time also worked on a half time basis in another setting. They did that up until early 1985 during which time they shared the parenting of their two children, a son born in 1976 and a daughter in 1979. This arrangement occurred by chance and not as a result of any views or beliefs they might have had. It was a great set-up and worked out very well for them all and particularly the children. It has only been in more recent times that he realized how innovative that was, although it was obvious he was the only male at a play group he took the kids to, and the Wednesday luncheon group he was part of. His son who is now married and has a child is a wonderful partner and father which he believes is due in no small measure to the modeling he received.

In terms of counseling, he initially worked in a community setting where he saw a whole range of people dealing with all sorts of issues. It soon became apparent he was seeing a lot of women as clients who were coming to see him because they were experiencing an amazing range of abuse. This was all new to him as he had no idea about this.

The outcome was he took a particular interest in the area and has developed an unparalled level of expertise on the issue since that time. He has seen countless victims and abusers as clients, as well as couples where this is an issue. He has given talks, seminars and workshops to a whole range of people including other counsellors, doctors, nurses, police, politicians, church groups etc. He has also been interviewed by all sectors of the media about his work.

This is a huge issue throughout the world, figures indicating 1 in 3 women from all categories within the community, experience phsical or sexual abuse. All the other forms of abuse are not included in those figures. It is very hidden as one never really knows what goes on behind closed doors. It is also a very neglected area as if it is not anyone's business to interfere.

Leo believes anything that is being done is primarily band aiding activities where women rescue other women who have been abused. Almost nothing is being done to raise awareness or to prevent and eliminate the problem.

Almost all explanations about the cause of abuse in relationships are simply excuses and this is not helpful as there is no excuse for abuse. Anger management groups have proliferated pretending to be a solution, as if uncontrolled anger is the problem. This fits in with the virtually universal approach that anger and violence are synonomous, and they are not. Anger is a feeling and can be expressed like any other feeling without being violent and aggressive. Violence and aggression are about holding power over or dominating and controlling others. Men who abuse women in relationships, do so for this purpose. It is done from the perspective of believing men are superior and in charge in relationships and develop dominant temperaments that are manifested by controlling and holding power over women in various abusive ways.

This is an issue Leo is passionate about and wants to contribute to bringing about the

changes needed so that everyone benefits, men, women and children. That is the aim of what he is offering.