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Why focus on men who use violence against women and children?

Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety

 

National resources from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety reveal what’s working — and what still needs to change

 

It’s a confronting question: Why invest in programs for men who use violence? According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), these interventions aren’t just important — they’re essential to breaking the cycle of violence. When delivered well, interventions that work with men who use domestic, family and sexual violence can enhance safety and support women and children to live free from violence.

 

To strengthen the national response, ANROWS has released a suite of evidence-informed resources that bring together the latest research, practice insights and evaluation. These include:

  • A national Evidence Brief synthesising Australian and international research on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs);
  • A new Quality Practice Expectations (QPE) framework to support the delivery of high-quality, accountable programs, informed by new research insights from the Northern Territory.
  • A summary of the latest evaluation of Men’s Behaviour Change Programs

 

Together, these resources provide a roadmap for what works — and how to deliver programs that prioritise safety while supporting meaningful change.

“The idea of supporting men who use violence can be confronting within a sector that is already facing unmet demand for support from victim/survivors,” said Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine, CEO of ANROWS. “But if we’re serious about ending domestic, family and sexual violence, we must address the behaviour of those who cause harm, holding men who use violence accountable while supporting them to change.”

 

Setting the National Standard

 

ANROWS’ Quality Practice Expectations offer a national framework to guide the delivery of effective, safe Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs). Informed by a range of research and practice insights from the Northern Territory, the Quality Practice Expectations provide a consistent standard for service delivery, with women’s and children’s safety at the centre.

 

“Programs need the right conditions to be effective,” said Dr Boyd-Caine. “This guidance ensures consistency and prioritises survivor safety.”

 

The Quality Practice Expectations are informed by new research. An evaluation of two men’s behaviour programs delivered by CatholicCare NT and Tangentyere Council, offers lessons for national systems. The programs work directly with men who use violence, while also supporting their partners and families. The evaluation highlighted key elements such as strong follow-up if men disengage, prioritising partner safety, collaboration with other services, and the importance of Aboriginal-led delivery. It also identified ongoing challenges — including limited referral pathways, a lack of post-program support, under-resourced responses for children, and short-term funding constraints.

 

Key Insights from the Evidence Brief

 

The QPEs and evaluation are the latest resources following ANROWS’ Evidence Brief, which clarifies what Men’s Behaviour Change Programs can — and can’t — achieve, emphasising that they are not a standalone solution but a critical part of a broader, systemic response. Key findings include:

  • Most men who use violence never access a program.
  • Long-term support is needed for lasting change.
  • Tailored approaches work better than one-size-fits-all.
  • Coordination with other services improves outcomes.
  • Enhanced safety for women and children can be achieved, even if little or no behavioural change occurs.

 

“These programs show what’s possible and why stronger systems are essential,” said Dr Boyd-Caine.

 

With the right knowledge, frameworks and investment, Australia can shift from crisis response to long-term prevention — holding perpetrators accountable while supporting real change.

 

The Evidence Brief is available here.

 

Preview of the Quality Practice Expectations and Northern Territory evaluation available here.

 

Online links will be available April 10, 2025:

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Distributed by Lanham Media on behalf of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).

 

 

 

 


About us:

About ANROWS

Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety is the country’s leading independent body dedicated to research on domestic, family, and sexual violence. It provides the evidence base for informed policy and practice under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. https://www.anrows.org.au


Contact details:

Media contacts:

Greg Townley | [email protected] | 0414 195 908
Fleur Townley | [email protected] | 0405 278 758

ANROWS CEO Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine