The role of men’s behaviour change programs in addressing men’s use of domestic, family and sexual violence: An evidence brief

This evidence brief explores the role of men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs) in addressing domestic, family, and sexual violence in Australia. It synthesises existing research and practice-based evidence on MBCPs, including their structure, effectiveness, and contribution to broader systemic responses. The report highlights the complexity of behaviour change, the need for a coordinated service ecosystem, and the limitations of MBCPs in achieving transformative change in isolation. It discusses key components that support program effectiveness, including family safety contact, place-based approaches, and pre- and post-group supports. The evidence brief also examines the economic benefits of investing in perpetrator interventions and provides recommendations for enhancing MBCPs to improve safety outcomes for victim-survivors.

This Evidence Brief was written by ANROWS staff in partnership with No to Violence and independent consultant Rodney Vlais. It provides a summary of the literature on men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs), focusing primarily on their role in addressing domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia.

The evidence brief synthesises what is known about MBCPs based on available peer-reviewed and grey literature, and practice-based evidence. The brief was used as a basis for discussion at a roundtable “Engaging Men and Boys - what's next?” convened by the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission on 12 November 2024.