For domestic and family violence services, refuges, foundations, government agencies and funding partners
You help women reach safety.
Together, we can help them rebuild.
Every woman deserves the opportunity to rebuild a life that feels like her own. To rediscover her strength, believe in herself again and find the confidence to create a future filled with possibility.
Behind every woman’s journey is a story, but her story doesn’t have to end with what she’s been through.
More than surviving.
A chance to rebuild.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is a structured rebuilding program designed to work alongside the extraordinary organisations and professionals already supporting women affected by domestic and family violence.
Through movement, emotional wellbeing, practical life skills, expert-led education and genuine connection, the program aims to help women reconnect with themselves, build confidence, strengthen their independence and begin looking towards their futures with hope.
Our approach recognises that every woman’s circumstances are different. Participation is flexible, personal and guided by choice, with no requirement to share or relive traumatic experiences.
Because every woman deserves more than the opportunity to survive. She deserves the opportunity to truly live.
- 12-month organisational partnership
- Three annual intakes
- Eight-week guided journey
- Continued access
- Flexible participation
Me VS Me Movement - Transforming YOU from the inside out.
Maria's story has been told on
Why rebuilding matters
When the crisis phase ends, rebuilding continues.
Safety will always come first.
Every day, domestic and family violence services, refuges, counsellors and support workers do extraordinary work helping women navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
They provide protection, guidance, practical assistance and, most importantly, hope when it can feel almost impossible to see a way forward.
But rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight.
Even when a woman has reached safety, she may still be learning how to trust herself again, rebuild her confidence, reconnect with her body and rediscover her own sense of identity, independence and purpose.
For some women, it’s about finding the energy to get out of bed. For others, it’s learning to enjoy movement again, preparing a nourishing meal, making a new connection or beginning to believe that their future can hold something beautiful.
These may seem like small steps, but sometimes the smallest steps are the beginning of the greatest changes.
This is where The Me VS Me Rebuild offers another opportunity for support.
Working alongside the services already supporting her, the program brings together movement, emotional wellbeing, practical education, personal development and meaningful connection.
Our purpose is to create opportunities for women to focus on themselves, discover their strengths and take positive steps forward, in their own time and in their own way.
Because rebuilding is about more than getting through each day.
It’s about rediscovering the possibility of a future filled with confidence, independence, connection and hope.
Rebuilding starts with turning up
Sometimes rebuilding starts with the smallest step. And sometimes that one step can change everything.
Maria Barbaro, Founder, Me VS Me Movement
The story behind the purpose
A voice for those who no longer have one.
A promise born from survival. A purpose to create change.
After surviving an attempted murder, Maria Barbaro made a promise to herself.
She would use her second chance at life to be a voice for the women who never got theirs. For the women whose lives were taken by violence. For the stories left untold, the families left behind and the changes that still need to be made.
Her story, shared nationally on 60 Minutes Australia, became an opportunity to raise awareness, ask difficult questions and advocate for greater protection for women.
But Maria’s purpose reaches beyond advocacy.
Through Me VS Me Movement, she wants to help women who have survived rediscover the confidence, strength, independence, joy and belief in themselves that violence may have taken from them.
The Me VS Me Rebuild brings this purpose to life through a program designed to support women as they reconnect with themselves and take steps towards a future of their own choosing.
Working alongside the organisations already supporting these women, Maria hopes to turn her lived experience into something that creates lasting, meaningful change.
For the women we’ve lost. For the women rebuilding. And for the women who deserve a future filled with hope.
The eight-week rebuilding journey
Eight weeks. One step at a time.
A journey towards rebuilding.
A structured, compassionate journey designed to help women reconnect, rebuild and move forward.
Through three scheduled intakes across the year, women can begin an eight-week guided rebuilding journey, followed by continued access to selected resources.
Each week has a clear purpose, bringing together accessible movement, emotional wellbeing, practical education, specialist guidance and meaningful connection.
The journey is designed to be flexible and supportive, recognising that every woman’s circumstances, needs and pace will be different.
There is no pressure to share her story, no expectation to be at a particular stage of recovery and no single definition of progress.
Sometimes progress is finding the courage to begin. Sometimes it’s recognising a strength she thought she’d lost. And sometimes it’s simply feeling hopeful about tomorrow.
The eight-week journey
- 01
This is my start
A personal welcome from Maria, an optional private starting-point check-in and gentle first steps to help each woman feel comfortable, supported and ready to begin.
“I’m not alone. I’ve begun.”
- 02
You are not alone
Exploring identity, connection and belonging through supportive education and opportunities to connect, without any expectation to disclose personal experiences.
“I belong somewhere.”
- 03
Move with me
Introducing accessible movement as an opportunity to reconnect with the body, build confidence and discover personal strength, with flexible home and gym options.
“My body is capable.”
- 04
Choose yourself
Exploring everyday wellbeing through practical self-care, rest, simple nutrition and affordable ways to nourish and care for herself.
“I am worth looking after.”
- 05
Find your voice
Supporting self-worth, personal boundaries and confidence through practical education and guidance from appropriately qualified professionals.
“My voice matters.”
- 06
Take your next step
Introducing practical life skills and financial wellbeing foundations that can support informed choices, confidence and greater independence, with specialist guidance.
“I can take my next step.”
- 07
Dream again
Creating opportunities to explore personal goals, hear real stories of hope and begin imagining a future shaped by her own choices and aspirations.
“I am allowed to dream again.”
- 08
Look at me now
An opportunity to reflect on personal progress, repeat an optional private wellbeing check-in, celebrate achievements and identify meaningful next steps.
“Look how far I’ve come - and I’m not finished.”
A journey that continues beyond eight weeks
The guided eight-week journey is the beginning of each participant’s experience within the wider organisational partnership.
Following their guided journey, women can continue accessing selected program resources during an agreed continuation period, allowing them to revisit learning, maintain positive routines and explore further opportunities for personal growth.
The intention is to provide continuity without placing pressure on women to progress according to a fixed timetable.
Maria’s message
“You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to share your story. You can start exactly where you are, take one small step at a time and know that you don’t have to do it alone.”
Maria Barbaro, Founder, Me VS Me Movement
The weekly experience
More than a program.
A place to feel connected.
Real guidance. Real conversations. Real connection. Every step of the way.
Rebuilding is a personal journey, but no woman should have to feel that she is navigating it alone.
The Me VS Me Rebuild brings together structured weekly learning, practical tools, personal encouragement and opportunities for genuine human connection.
Each week offers a familiar rhythm, giving women the freedom to participate in ways that suit their lives, circumstances and individual needs.
Some days, that might mean joining a movement session, listening to an expert or trying something new.
Other days, it might simply mean hearing a few encouraging words and being reminded that she matters.
There is no pressure to complete everything, no expectation to share personal experiences and no single way to participate.
What each week can offer
A moment with Maria
A personal message from Maria, sharing encouragement, lived experience, hope and practical reminders that every step forward matters.
Move: reconnect with your strength
Accessible movement options for home or the gym, encouraging women to reconnect with their bodies, discover their capabilities and build confidence at their own pace.
Nourish: everyday care
Simple, affordable meal ideas and practical nutrition guidance to help make everyday wellbeing feel achievable, even during challenging weeks.
Reset: time for yourself
Gentle breathing, grounding, relaxation and mobility practices offering opportunities to slow down, rest and reconnect with yourself.
Learn: knowledge for life
Practical education and guidance from appropriately qualified professionals, exploring confidence, self-worth, personal boundaries, emotional wellbeing and everyday independence.
Real women. Real stories. Real hope.
Conversations with women from different walks of life, sharing their experiences, lessons and moments of growth in ways that encourage hope, with careful attention to consent and emotional safety.
Connect live: together, wherever we are
A proposed weekly, optional online gathering offering encouragement, practical learning and meaningful human connection.
Hosted by Maria or an invited professional, these gatherings could include uplifting conversations, expert insights, questions and opportunities to connect with others.
Some weeks may focus on confidence or wellbeing. Others might explore everyday challenges, celebrate small achievements or simply create space for kindness, laughter and encouragement.
Women would be able to participate in ways that feel appropriate to them, including listening without speaking or appearing on camera.
Live sessions would only be introduced once suitable privacy, safeguarding, facilitation, moderation and participant support arrangements have been developed with specialist input.
One small step
A gentle weekly invitation to try something meaningful, whether that’s making time for herself, practising a new skill, reaching out for support or taking one small step towards a personal goal.
Reflect: look how far you’ve come
An optional private opportunity to recognise progress, celebrate effort and reflect on the changes that matter to each woman.
The heart of Me VS Me
We don’t want women to feel as though they’re simply logging into another online program.
We want them to feel welcomed, encouraged and supported. To know there are people who genuinely care about their progress, celebrate their achievements and believe in the possibilities ahead of them.
Because rebuilding is not about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about discovering that even on the difficult days, there can still be moments of connection, encouragement and hope.
And sometimes, knowing that someone is there, cheering you on, can make all the difference.
Our approach to participation and progress
Progress without pressure.
Every woman. Her journey. Her pace.
At the heart of The Me VS Me Rebuild is a simple belief: every woman deserves the opportunity to rebuild in a way that respects her circumstances, needs and choices.
What feels like a small step to one woman may be an enormous achievement for another.
That’s why our approach is centred on encouragement, flexibility, dignity and personal choice.
We celebrate progress in all its forms, without comparison, judgement or pressure.
Training that works at home, with or without equipment
What this means for every woman
Her story belongs to her
No woman is required to disclose or relive her experiences to participate. Our focus is on her present wellbeing and the future she wants to create, while respecting her boundaries and personal choices.
Every step forward matters
Progress isn’t measured by appearance, weight or how quickly someone changes.
It’s about recognising meaningful personal achievements, whether that’s building confidence, developing a new skill, reconnecting with others or finding the courage to try again.
There is always a gentler option
Some days a woman may feel ready to participate fully. Other days, a few minutes may be enough.
Shorter movement sessions, flexible activities and accessible resources allow women to choose what feels manageable.
Connection without expectation
Where appropriately facilitated connection opportunities are available, women can choose whether and how to participate.
There is no expectation to speak, appear on camera or share personal histories.
Movement for every body
Movement is an opportunity to reconnect with strength and capability, not a requirement to change appearance.
With beginner-friendly home options and alternatives for different abilities, women can participate without needing a gym membership.
Practical support for real life
We recognise that time, money and everyday responsibilities can make self-care difficult.
The program offers realistic wellbeing ideas, accessible movement and affordable nutrition guidance that women can adapt to their circumstances.
Her time. Her space. Her choice.
Digital resources allow flexible participation, with opportunities to revisit content and engage at a suitable pace.
We also recognise that digital access may not be safe or appropriate for every woman. Participant access, privacy and digital safety arrangements will be developed with specialist and partner input.
Understanding the difference we hope to make
The Me VS Me Rebuild aims to support positive changes in women’s confidence, self-worth, connection, everyday wellbeing and sense of independence.
Through voluntary wellbeing check-ins, participant feedback and appropriate program evaluation, we intend to better understand women’s experiences, recognise meaningful progress and continually improve the support offered.
Our evaluation approach will be developed with specialist and organisational input, ensuring that participant dignity, privacy and choice remain central.
A message from Maria
“I don’t want any woman to feel that she has to prove how strong she is, how far she’s come or how quickly she’s rebuilding. I want her to know that showing up for herself matters. That even on the difficult days, she is worthy of care, encouragement and the opportunity to keep moving forward.”
Maria Barbaro, Founder, Me VS Me Movement
The organisational partnership
One partnership.
More opportunities to rebuild.
A 12-month commitment to supporting women beyond safety.
The Me VS Me Rebuild offers organisations a structured way to provide an additional rebuilding opportunity to women they support.
Through one annual partnership, organisations can fund access for an agreed number of participants, without each woman needing to purchase her own membership.
The model includes three scheduled intakes throughout the year. Each participant is offered an eight-week guided rebuilding journey, followed by continued access to selected resources for an agreed period.
This approach is intended to provide a consistent participant experience while allowing organisations to consider their own referral pathways, participant needs and funding arrangements.
Because the opportunity to rebuild shouldn’t depend on a woman’s ability to pay.
A cohort that starts and finishes together
What an organisational partnership can include
Three guided intakes throughout the year
Three scheduled opportunities for women to begin their eight-week rebuilding journey.
Partner organisations can identify suitable participants in accordance with agreed referral, eligibility and participation arrangements.
A structured, flexible rebuilding program
Weekly resources covering emotional wellbeing, accessible movement, practical life skills, personal development and encouragement.
Activities are designed to accommodate different circumstances, with no expectation that every woman participates in the same way.
Practical resources for everyday life
Affordable meal ideas, accessible movement options, wellbeing practices and practical education that support everyday confidence and independence.
The focus is on realistic, achievable steps rather than perfection or pressure.
Guidance from people who care
The program brings together Maria’s lived experience with contributions from appropriately qualified professionals and approved guest speakers.
Topics may include emotional wellbeing, confidence, personal boundaries, financial wellbeing, self-care and practical tools for rebuilding.
Weekly live connection
An optional online gathering offering encouragement, practical learning and opportunities for human connection.
This element would be introduced subject to suitable facilitation, safeguarding, privacy and participant support arrangements.
Small steps. Meaningful progress.
Optional personal reflections, achievable activities and private wellbeing check-ins provide opportunities for women to recognise their own progress.
The program aims to support growth in areas such as confidence, connection, self-care and independence, rather than focusing on appearance or comparison.
Continued access beyond eight weeks
Following the guided journey, participants can continue accessing selected resources during their agreed continuation period.
This allows women to revisit learning, maintain positive routines and take further steps at their own pace.
Working together for meaningful outcomes
We recognise the expertise, relationships and essential work of the organisations already supporting women.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is not a replacement for specialist domestic and family violence services, counselling, housing assistance, legal support or case management.
It is an additional rebuilding opportunity that organisations may choose to offer alongside their existing services.
We welcome the involvement of selected organisations in shaping the pilot, strengthening safeguarding arrangements and developing appropriate ways to understand participation, experience and outcomes.
Our intention is to establish partnerships that are practical, respectful and responsive to the women they are designed to support.
Partnership invitation
Together, we can help more women rebuild.
A meaningful partnership. A shared purpose. More opportunities for women to move forward.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is built on the belief that meaningful change grows through collaboration.
Our vision is to work with organisations that share a commitment to helping women rebuild their lives with confidence, dignity and hope.
Through a structured annual partnership, three scheduled intakes create opportunities for women to begin their rebuilding journey and continue accessing selected support resources beyond the initial eight weeks.
Three opportunities to begin
Each intake follows the same core program structure, while recognising that every woman’s circumstances and progress are unique.
Your expertise. Our program. A shared commitment.
We recognise the invaluable knowledge, experience and trusted relationships that domestic and family violence services, refuges and community organisations bring to the women they support.
Our approach is founded on collaboration, mutual respect and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities beyond immediate safety.
We welcome partnerships with foundations, government agencies, specialist services and community organisations, locally and internationally, that share this vision.
We also welcome the involvement of selected organisations in shaping the pilot, ensuring that professional expertise, practical experience and participant needs inform the program’s development.
Creating meaningful opportunities, together.
Our vision is to make rebuilding support more accessible to women, wherever meaningful partnerships and appropriate delivery arrangements can make that possible.
By bringing together professional expertise, lived experience and a thoughtfully structured rebuilding program, we can create opportunities for women to rediscover their strengths and begin shaping their futures.
Because meaningful change grows when compassion, experience and a shared purpose come together.
Connect with our team to discuss your organisation’s priorities, participant needs, funding arrangements and potential partnership opportunities.
Recognising progress
Progress that matters to her.
Not measured by appearance. Not compared with anyone else. Recognised in her own words.
Sometimes progress is visible.
Other times, it’s something only a woman herself can recognise.
A little more confidence. A moment of calm. The courage to make a decision. The energy to try something new. Or the simple feeling that life might hold something good again.
At The Me VS Me Rebuild, we believe these moments matter.
That’s why our approach to recognising progress begins with each woman’s own experience, rather than somebody else’s expectations.
Her starting point. Her own reflection.
At the beginning of the eight-week journey, each woman is invited to complete a private, optional wellbeing check-in.
In week eight, she has the opportunity to revisit her reflections and recognise what may have changed.
The check-in explores seven areas of everyday wellbeing:
- Hope
- Confidence
- Connection
- Energy
- Self-care
- Movement
- Belief in the future
There are no right or wrong answers, no weigh-ins and no before-and-after photographs.
This is not a clinical assessment or a measure of how successfully someone has recovered.
It is a moment for her to reflect on what matters to her.
Two moments in her journey
Week one: where I am today
An opportunity to reflect on how she feels, what matters to her and what she hopes to gain from the experience.
“How would you love to feel eight weeks from today?”
Week eight: look how far I’ve come
An opportunity to revisit her starting point and reflect on her experiences, achievements and any changes she has noticed.
For some women, the changes may feel significant. For others, progress may be quieter, slower or difficult to recognise.
There is no expectation to have reached a particular milestone.
Her journey doesn’t end here.
As the guided eight weeks come to a close, each woman is invited to consider what she’d like the next chapter to look like.
She might choose to write a letter to her future self, identify one meaningful goal or make a small commitment to her own wellbeing.
There is no pressure to have a plan or know exactly what comes next.
The intention is simply to give her space to recognise where she is today and consider what matters to her moving forward.
Because rebuilding isn’t about reaching a finish line. It’s about having the freedom to keep moving forward in her own way.
Meaningful progress. Responsible evaluation.
For our organisational partners, understanding participant experiences is an important part of developing a responsible and effective program.
We intend to work with specialist organisations and appropriately qualified professionals to establish an evaluation approach that may include voluntary wellbeing reflections, participant feedback and relevant engagement information.
Our aim is to learn from women’s experiences, improve the program and provide appropriate insights to funding partners, while protecting participant privacy and respecting informed choice.
We want to understand the difference the program may make, without asking women to prove their recovery.
Safety, privacy and participant choice
Her phone may not be private.
Because a woman’s safety must always come first.
For women affected by domestic and family violence, technology isn’t always a safe or private space.
A phone may be monitored. Messages may be seen. An app notification, an email or an online interaction could unintentionally place a woman at risk.
We understand that offering a digital rebuilding program comes with a responsibility to recognise these realities, not overlook them.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is being developed with this responsibility at its heart.
Her safety. Her choice.
Participation in The Me VS Me Rebuild is intended to be voluntary and offered through trusted partner organisations.
Women would be invited privately through agreed referral arrangements, with their individual circumstances and safety needs carefully considered.
There is no obligation to participate, no pressure to continue and no requirement for funded participants to purchase a membership.
The decision to take part must always remain hers.
Her privacy matters.
A woman’s participation should never be made public simply because she chooses to access support.
Our intention is to avoid public participant profiles, public membership lists and unnecessary sharing of identifying information.
Before launch, we will review how the platform manages participant visibility, notifications, communication and personal information, with appropriate specialist input.
Because privacy is about more than protecting data. It’s also about protecting the woman behind it.
Clear answers. Responsible safeguards.
We recognise that specialist organisations need clear information before recommending any digital program to the women they support.
Working with our platform provider and appropriate professionals, we intend to establish and document:
- How the app appears on a device and whether notifications can create risks.
- What participant information is collected, stored and shared.
- Who can access personal information and how long it is retained.
- How participants can stop using the program and request account or data deletion.
- What other participants may be able to see.
- How online sessions, communication and safety concerns will be managed.
These arrangements must be reviewed and confirmed before participant access is offered.
Your expertise helps shape our approach.
Domestic and family violence services understand the complexities of safety, privacy and the risks women may face.
That expertise is essential.
We welcome the opportunity to work with partner organisations to develop appropriate safeguarding practices, respect established protocols and ensure that program delivery reflects the realities of the women it is intended to support.
We recognise that digital participation will not be safe or suitable for every woman.
Our responsibility is not simply to make the program accessible. It is to make thoughtful, informed decisions about when and how access can be offered safely.
Start that conversation If your service has a device-safety protocol, send it to us. We would rather build to your standard than ask you to accept ours.
The story behind the name
Me VS Me began at 5am in a car park.
A friendship. A year of showing up. Three words that became a movement.
Before Me VS Me Movement existed, Maria Barbaro had already faced years of adversity.
She had found the courage to leave an abusive marriage, raised her three sons largely on her own and later survived a violent attack that changed her life forever.
In the months that followed, rebuilding was anything but easy.
Maria was still struggling. She didn’t feel like herself, and there were many mornings when finding the strength to face another day was difficult.
But she wasn’t rebuilding alone.
Her family, friends and the people who stood beside her played an important part in helping her find her feet again.
Around six months after the attack, Maria reached out to a male friend who had once told her, “Ring me when you’re ready.”
At 5am the following morning, they met in a car park and went to the gym.
And they kept showing up, every morning, for an entire year.
It wasn’t always easy. Maria wasn’t suddenly feeling strong, confident or like the person she had been before.
But her friend kept her accountable, and in many ways, she did the same for him.
Some mornings they encouraged each other. Other mornings, simply turning up was enough.
There was no competition with anyone else. No expectation to be perfect. Just a commitment to keep showing up and doing what they could, one day at a time.
And somewhere along the way, three words became part of their everyday conversations.
Maria Barbaro, founder of Me VS Me Movement
Me versus me.
A reminder that the only person they needed to focus on was themselves. Their own effort. Their own progress. Their own journey.
Maria credits her friend with coming up with the name, words that would eventually become the foundation of Me VS Me Movement.
What began as two friends keeping each other accountable became something much bigger.
It became a reminder that rebuilding doesn’t always begin with feeling ready.
Sometimes it begins with someone believing in you, showing up beside you and helping you take the next small step.
Lived experience at its heart. Professional expertise around it.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is shaped by Maria’s understanding that meaningful support can make an extraordinary difference in a woman’s life.
Her own journey taught her that rebuilding isn’t a straight line. There are difficult days, setbacks and moments when progress can feel almost impossible to recognise.
But she also experienced the difference that encouragement, friendship, consistency and a strong support network can make.
Those experiences are at the heart of the program’s approach.
There is no pressure to be perfect, no expectation to share personal experiences and no requirement to measure progress through appearance or weight.
The program recognises that women may be navigating financial pressures, family responsibilities, emotional exhaustion and days when even the smallest step feels difficult.
Maria’s lived experience shapes the purpose and values of The Me VS Me Rebuild, alongside specialist education and practical guidance contributed by appropriately qualified professionals.
The program is not clinical treatment or a replacement for specialist domestic and family violence services.
It is an additional opportunity for women to reconnect with themselves, build confidence and experience the encouragement and support that can make taking the next step feel possible.
Because sometimes rebuilding begins with the smallest act of showing up. And sometimes, having someone beside you makes all the difference.
Advocacy, media and speaking
A voice for change.
A story that deserves to be heard.
Lived experience. A mother’s strength. A commitment to creating meaningful change.
Maria Barbaro’s journey with domestic and family violence began when she was a young woman navigating an abusive marriage, at a time when she didn’t fully understand the behaviours she was experiencing or recognise them for what they were.
At just 27 years old, she found the courage to leave that marriage and begin again, raising her three young sons largely on her own.
Years later, Maria survived an attempted murder, an experience that would change her life forever.
Having lived through different forms of violence at different stages of her life, Maria understands that leaving, surviving and rebuilding are deeply personal experiences, often accompanied by challenges that others may never see.
But her story is not only about what she has endured.
It’s about what she has chosen to do with the life she fought so hard to keep.
As a mother of three, survivor, advocate and founder of Me VS Me Movement, Maria is committed to using her voice to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations and advocate for greater protection and support for women.
Above all, she carries a promise close to her heart.
To be a voice for the women whose lives were taken by violence, who no longer have the opportunity to tell their own stories.
More than a story. A purpose to create change.
Maria shared her experience nationally through 60 Minutes Australia, bringing attention to domestic and family violence and the difficult questions surrounding protection, accountability and the systems intended to keep women safe.
Today, she continues to speak about the realities of abuse, the courage it can take to leave, the lasting impact of violence and the importance of having the right people and support around you.
Her perspective is grounded in lived experience, motherhood and the understanding that rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight.
Through Me VS Me Movement and The Me VS Me Rebuild, Maria is working to turn that understanding into practical opportunities for women, alongside the specialist organisations and professionals already supporting them.
Because raising awareness matters. But so does what happens next.
Conversations that matter.
Maria welcomes opportunities to contribute to conversations that encourage awareness, understanding and meaningful change.
Domestic and family violence awareness
Recognising the different forms of abuse, understanding coercive and controlling behaviours, and the importance of education and early awareness.
Protection, accountability and reform
Exploring the questions surrounding women’s safety, disclosure of violent histories, accountability and opportunities to strengthen systems of protection.
Life after violence
Understanding why reaching safety is essential, while recognising that rebuilding confidence, identity, independence and hope can take time.
The power of support and connection
The importance of family, friends, community and professional support, and the difference genuine encouragement can make when someone is beginning again.
Motherhood and rebuilding
The realities of raising three young children as a single mother while navigating the challenges of rebuilding a life after abuse.
The story behind Me VS Me
How friendship, mutual accountability and a year of showing up at 5am inspired a movement centred on personal progress, self-belief and the power of small steps.
Turning survival into purpose
Using lived experience to advocate for change, honour the women whose lives have been lost and create meaningful opportunities for those rebuilding.
Available for media, speaking and advocacy.
Maria welcomes enquiries for:
- Television, radio and podcast interviews
- Keynote speaking and conferences
- Community and corporate events
- Panel discussions and awareness campaigns
- Educational and advocacy initiatives
- Appropriate local and international speaking opportunities
Each opportunity is considered according to its purpose, audience and alignment with Maria’s advocacy.
Every conversation is an opportunity to make a difference.
Behind every statistic is a woman. A daughter. A mother. A sister. A friend. A life that matters. Maria believes that sharing lived experiences can encourage understanding, challenge assumptions and contribute to the conversations needed to create meaningful change. Her purpose is not simply to be heard. It is to use her voice for those who no longer have one, to stand beside women who are rebuilding and to help create a future where more women are safe, supported and given the opportunity to truly live.For speaking, media, events or advocacy enquiries, please share your organisation, proposed topic, audience, format, location and preferred dates.
Questions partners ask
Your questions, answered.
Understanding the purpose, people and opportunities behind The Me VS Me Rebuild.
We understand that choosing an additional program for the women you support comes with important questions.
The Me VS Me Rebuild has been created with a clear purpose: to work alongside existing services and offer women opportunities to rediscover their confidence, independence, wellbeing and belief in their futures.
Here are some of the questions we believe matter most.
What makes The Me VS Me Rebuild different?
The Me VS Me Rebuild is more than a fitness, nutrition or wellbeing program.
It brings together lived experience, professional education, practical life skills, personal development and meaningful connection within a structured rebuilding journey.
Through learning, encouragement and opportunities for self-discovery, women can explore different aspects of their wellbeing, identity and independence.
The focus is on the woman as a whole, recognising that rebuilding is not simply about what someone has survived, but also about discovering who she is and what she wants for her future.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is intended for women affected by domestic and family violence who may benefit from additional rebuilding support alongside the services they already receive.
We recognise that every woman’s circumstances, experiences and needs are different.
Participation would be voluntary, with individual suitability, personal choice and safety considered in collaboration with referring organisations.
Who will be guiding and supporting the women?
Maria Barbaro brings her lived experience, encouragement and the personal purpose behind Me VS Me Movement.
The program is also being developed to include education and contributions from appropriately qualified professionals and approved guest speakers.
Topics may include emotional wellbeing, self-worth, confidence, personal boundaries, financial wellbeing, women’s health, practical life skills and everyday wellbeing.
Together, these different perspectives aim to offer women knowledge, encouragement and practical tools they can explore in their own lives.
Professional contributors will provide education within their areas of expertise, with final roles and delivery arrangements confirmed before launch.
Can the program help women better understand their experiences?
One of the most meaningful parts of rebuilding can be discovering a new understanding of ourselves and what we’ve experienced.
Through professional education, lived-experience conversations and shared stories, women may begin to recognise behaviours, understand patterns, discover new perspectives or find words for experiences they previously struggled to make sense of.
Sometimes, hearing someone else describe an experience can bring a moment of recognition. Something that once felt confusing may begin to make sense.
For some women, this may bring reassurance, greater self-understanding or the realisation that they are not alone in what they’ve experienced. For others, it may open the door to a new question, a different perspective or a conversation with a trusted professional.
There is no expectation that every woman will experience these moments or that understanding must happen within a particular timeframe.
Because sometimes, learning something new can change the way we understand our past, see ourselves today and imagine our future.
How does the program work alongside our existing services?
We recognise and respect the essential work of domestic and family violence organisations, refuges, counsellors, caseworkers and other specialist professionals.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is not designed to replace counselling, crisis support, housing assistance, legal services or case management.
It offers an additional opportunity for women to focus on personal growth, everyday wellbeing, practical knowledge, connection and rebuilding confidence, while remaining supported by the professionals and organisations they trust.
Our intention is to complement the work already being done, not duplicate or replace it.
What opportunities for personal growth does the program offer?
Every woman’s journey will be different, and we don’t believe rebuilding should be measured against a single outcome.
The program creates opportunities for women to develop self-belief, practical knowledge, personal confidence, meaningful connections and a greater sense of independence. It also offers space for learning, reflection and discovering new perspectives.
For some women, progress may mean understanding something about themselves for the first time. For others, it may be learning a practical skill, making a decision with greater confidence, finding joy in an everyday moment or beginning to imagine a different future.
Our purpose is to create opportunities for growth, not promise a particular result.
How does the program support women beyond the eight weeks?
Each participant begins with an eight-week guided rebuilding journey, followed by a proposed 16 weeks of continued access to selected resources.
This allows women to revisit learning, explore personal goals and continue engaging with the program at their own pace.
The broader organisational partnership runs for 12 months and includes three scheduled participant intakes. Final participant access arrangements will be confirmed before delivery.
How will you recognise whether the program is making a difference?
We intend to develop a thoughtful evaluation approach with specialist organisations and appropriately qualified professionals.
This may include voluntary wellbeing reflections, participant feedback and relevant engagement information.
The aim is to understand women’s experiences, continually improve the program and provide appropriate insights to partner organisations while respecting privacy, informed consent and personal choice.
We believe progress should be recognised in ways that are meaningful to the woman herself, without comparison or pressure.
Do women have to pay or share their personal experiences?
No.
The program is designed to be funded through organisational partnerships, allowing eligible women to participate without purchasing their own membership.
Women would not be required to share or relive their experiences, participate in group conversations or complete every activity.
Their dignity, privacy, choice and individual circumstances remain central to the program’s approach.
Can our organisation help shape the program?
Yes. We welcome the opportunity to work with selected organisations during the development and pilot stages.
Their expertise can help inform participant suitability, safeguarding, delivery, accessibility and evaluation.
We believe the strongest partnerships are built through collaboration, listening and a shared understanding of the women the program is intended to support.
Is the program practical for women with limited financial resources?
Absolutely. We recognise that financial pressures, family responsibilities and everyday circumstances can make accessing additional support difficult.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is designed with accessibility and affordability in mind. Women can explore simple, budget-conscious recipes, practical wellbeing resources and movement options that don’t require a gym membership or expensive equipment.
Through the Me VS Me Movement member app, participants can also access a broad recipe library with options for different dietary preferences and requirements.
Our intention is to make everyday wellbeing and personal development feel achievable, without creating unnecessary financial pressure.
Who can see a woman’s personal reflections or information?
We recognise that privacy, trust and personal choice are especially important for women affected by domestic and family violence.
Personal reflections and wellbeing check-ins are intended to support each woman’s own understanding of her progress, not to expose her experiences to other participants or require her to disclose personal information.
Before the program is offered, we will need to confirm how the digital platform manages participant information, who can access it, what other participants can see and how data is stored and protected.
These arrangements would be clearly communicated to partner organisations and participants, with appropriate safeguarding and consent processes developed alongside specialist input.
What if our referral process doesn’t align with the scheduled intakes?
We understand that every organisation has different referral processes and that women may be ready to participate at different times.
The proposed model includes three scheduled intakes throughout the year, each offering an eight-week guided rebuilding journey followed by continued access to selected resources.
We welcome discussions about your organisation’s referral needs and would explore the most practical starting arrangements within the program’s delivery structure.
Our aim is to provide a consistent program experience while recognising the different circumstances of the women and organisations involved.
Do we need to commit to a full-year partnership?
Not necessarily.
We welcome the opportunity to explore a smaller, single-intake pilot with selected organisations before considering a longer-term partnership.
A pilot could provide an opportunity for women to experience the guided rebuilding journey while allowing both organisations to gather feedback, review participation and consider future opportunities.
Participant numbers, funding, access periods, safeguarding and evaluation arrangements would be agreed before commencement.
How much does a partnership cost?
We understand that every organisation has different funding priorities, budgets and numbers of women it hopes to support.
Partnership proposals would be tailored according to the number of funded places, program inclusions and agreed delivery arrangements.
We aim to provide clear, fully costed proposals so organisations can understand what is included and make informed decisions.
Our purpose is to create meaningful, sustainable partnerships that offer value to organisations while ensuring participating women do not have to pay for their own program places.
Who provides the technology behind the program?
The Me VS Me Movement member app is powered by MacroActive, a digital platform used to deliver fitness, nutrition and coaching resources internationally.
The Me VS Me Rebuild is being developed to bring a broader rebuilding experience to the platform, incorporating professional education, practical life skills, emotional wellbeing, personal development and meaningful connection.
Digital delivery offers the potential to make resources accessible to women in different locations and circumstances, with flexibility to participate at suitable times.
Before launch, platform suitability, privacy, accessibility and digital safeguarding arrangements will need to be confirmed for the intended participants.
Still have questions? Let’s talk.
Every organisation brings valuable knowledge, experience and an understanding of the women it supports.
Whether you’re considering a pilot, exploring funding or looking for an additional rebuilding opportunity, we’d welcome the chance to hear about your organisation and discuss what’s possible.
Because meaningful partnerships begin with listening, understanding and a shared commitment to the women we hope to support.
Partner with us
Together, we can help more women find their way forward.
A shared purpose. A meaningful partnership. A future filled with possibility.
Every woman deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, valued and hopeful about her future.
To rediscover her confidence. To recognise her strengths. To make choices for herself. To experience moments of joy again and begin believing in the possibilities ahead.
We know that none of this happens overnight. And we know that no single program or organisation can meet every woman’s needs.
That is why The Me VS Me Rebuild has been created with collaboration at its heart.
We recognise the extraordinary work of domestic and family violence services, refuges, foundations and community organisations who stand beside women every day.
Our vision is to work alongside these organisations, bringing together lived experience, professional education, practical guidance, wellbeing and genuine human connection to create more opportunities for women to rebuild.
Not to change her story, but to help her discover what the next chapter could hold.
Be part of what comes next.
We welcome partnerships with organisations, foundations, government agencies and funding partners who believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to rebuild a life of her own choosing.
Whether you’re exploring a pilot, looking to support a group of women or considering a longer-term partnership, we would love to hear from you.
We want to understand your organisation’s priorities, learn from your expertise and explore how The Me VS Me Rebuild could complement the important work you already do.
Our vision extends beyond borders, with the hope of making meaningful rebuilding opportunities accessible to more women around the world through responsible, collaborative partnerships.
Together, we can turn compassion into opportunity, knowledge into confidence and shared purpose into meaningful action.
Prefer to connect directly? Write to maria@mevsmemovement.com.
A personal message from Maria
“I know how much it can mean to have someone believe in you when you’re still learning to believe in yourself.
I know that rebuilding takes time, that some days are harder than others and that even the smallest steps can mean so much.
But I also know that with encouragement, understanding, the right support and opportunities to grow, life can begin to feel full of possibility again.
My hope for The Me VS Me Rebuild is that more women, wherever they may be, are given the opportunity to rediscover their strength, reconnect with themselves and begin creating a future they can look forward to.
For the women we’ve lost, for the women rebuilding and for the women whose futures we still have the opportunity to help shape.”
Maria Barbaro, Founder, Me VS Me Movement
Important information. The Me VS Me Rebuild is a rebuilding and wellbeing program designed to complement, not replace, specialist domestic and family violence services, counselling, crisis intervention or clinical treatment.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.
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