Evaluation of two online Men’s Behaviour Change Programs

Investigators: Dr Nicola Helps, Dr Jasmine McGowan, Associate Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Dr Harley Williamson

Project contact: Dr Nicola Helps

About the research

The MGFVPC team has been contracted by No to Violence to conduct an evaluation of two online men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs) run by Thorne Harbour Health and Men and Family Centre. The two programs are:

  • A group program facilitated by Thorne Harbour Health for gay, bisexual, trans and queer men and non-binary people who are looking to address their use of intimate partner violence.
  • A group program facilitated by Men and Family Centre for men in rural, regional and remote areas.

Both programs seek to expand access to MBCPs for people who may not be able to access in-person groups due to location or because current programs which are predominantly designed for heteronormative men and focused on use of violence in heterosexual relationships are unsuitable. The evaluation will consider the benefits and challenges of developing and delivering programs for gay, bisexual, trans and queer men and non-binary people; men in rural, regional and remote settings; and, via an online format.

Background

There is currently a national focus on the impact of family violence on Australian communities. Significant policy and practice reform has been introduced in recent years to improve responses to, and the prevention of different forms of family violence. As part of this reform agenda there has been an increase in the funding directed towards perpetrator interventions. This has included funding to expand the suite of interventions available, to better fit the needs of all perpetrators of domestic and family violence. Simultaneously, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, particularly in Victoria we have seen a rapid transition to online services. As we exit lockdowns and see fewer restrictions in place, online programs remain as a way to engage people unable to attend in-person programs. Yet questions remain as to the effectiveness and appropriateness of delivering programs online. There remains few studies and evaluations of online MBCPs in Australia and internationally. This project contributes to developing the evidence base in this space.

For further details about this research please contact project lead, Dr Nicola Helps via email: nicola.helps@monash.edu