Men's Behaviour Change Program: Participants' and facilitators' perceptions

Abstract

Men's behaviour change programs (MBCPs) are group programs for men using family violence. This preliminary evaluation examines participants' and facilitators' perceptions of a redeveloped MBCP. Participants reported significant improvements in their ability to manage stress, understand the impact of their use of violence, and apply skills to repair the impact of their use of violence. Facilitators reported that peer support was an important component contributing to changes in the participants' knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviours. Preliminary findings indicate that the program could potentially influence men's perceptions of family violence and consequently promote the safety and wellbeing of women and children.<br/ ><br/ >Key Points<br/ >1. Evaluations of men's behaviour change programs (MBCPs) are urgently needed following Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations.<br/ ><br/ >2. Behaviour change strategies must be utilised to support men attending MBCPs to positively influence the lives of these men and their families.<br/ ><br/ >3. MBCPs focusing on men's attitudes, accountability, responsibility, and behaviour are vital to promote the safety of women and children.<br/ ><br/ >4. MBCPs keep men in view for extended periods of time, allowing for processing, learning, and building peer and facilitator and participant relationships.