Evaluation of the ‘Supervision Resource Guide: Supervising facilitators of men’s domestic violence perpetrator intervention group programs’

Abstract

Men’s domestic and family violence (DFV) perpetrator intervention group programs are an integral part of the DFV sector (Chung et al., 2020). Working in men’s DFV perpetrator intervention group programs can increase the safety of women and children by working with men to stop their reoffending as part of a wider, integrated systems response (Mackay et al., 2015). To be effective, however, this work requires specialist skills, experience, awareness of gendered power dynamics, and resilience (Apps & Gregory, 2011; A. Taylor et al., 2020). Facilitators of these programs must be equipped with knowledge and skills that help them manage such a demanding and challenging role. Practice principles and standards<br/ >recommend that Facilitators are guided and supported in their roles through access to professional supervision provided by their organisation (see, e.g., Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women [Queensland], 2020, p. 10). Researchers have explored the role of supervision in this unique workforce (Conley, 2012; Kashkooli-Ellat, 2022; Reimer, 2020; Vlais et al., 2017). However, little attention has been given to the importance of Supervisors’ observation of facilitation practice, nor have any evidence-based resources been produced to guide Supervisors in this. The research in this report contributes to addressing this gap.