As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Bass Coast City Council hosted the “Men Supporting Safer Communities” free webinar. Dr. Michael Flood and Tarang Chawla discussed the positive role that men and boys can play in preventing and reducing violence, helping to build communities where women are safe and equal.
The evidence tells us that all men, especially those in leadership roles and positions of power, can play a significant part in the change needed to end sexism and disrespect towards women that leads to violence. Developed through consultation with practitioners and other experts, these accessible resources support practitioners working with men and boys to prevent violence against women by building empathy, fostering self-awareness and motivation, and managing backlash and resistance.
The Responsible Men (RM) program is a DFV men’s behaviour change program (MBCP), designed for men aged 18 years and older, who use violence or other controlling behaviours in their intimate relationships. The RM program supports men around taking responsibility to change their attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, and decision-making without using violence. The overarching purpose of the RM program is to improve the safety of women and children through men’s attitudinal and behaviour change, including accountability for their choice to use physical and non-physical forms of DFV. The program aims to support men towards positive, ethical changes for safe, respectful, and healthy relationships.
Find the evaluation report here
A new report from Respect Victoria examines how men in Australia are challenging harmful masculine norms, and what this means for preventing violence against women. Willing, capable and confident: men, masculinities and the prevention of violence against women presents findings from focus group discussions with Australian men, following on from the Man Box 2024 report. It explores how men conform to, navigate or challenge harmful expressions of masculinity.