About men's behaviour change programs

Men’s behaviour change groups are for men who have been violent and controlling towards a current or previous partner and are now starting to think about change. Participants talk, share information, and challenge and support each other to be better men, partners, and fathers.

An important aspect of men's behaviour change programs that are provided by No To Violence members is that they are accountable and responsive to the needs of women and children.

Click on the questions below for more information.

Who runs men’s behaviour change groups?

Men’s behaviour change groups are usually held in settings such as community health centres. They are conducted by two group leaders — one man and one woman.

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How do men find out about a group near them?

The Men's Referral Service has a database of the men’s behaviour change groups in Victoria that we know have safe and ethical practices.

Groups also try to promote themselves in their local community, so that referrals can come in directly to groups via local welfare, health and other community-based agencies.

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Why should men attend?

Attending a men’s behaviour change group is an important step for men towards stopping their use of violent and controlling behaviour. Participating in a group gives them:

  • opportunities to talk about their past and current actions
  • new strategies to handle their feelings
  • information about the effects of their behaviour on their partner and children (this is a powerful motivator for change)
  • support to change how they act towards their partner, ex-partner or future partners.
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What are the groups like?

Some groups are always open to newcomers. Others are run program-style, and you might need to wait for the next group to start. Usually, there are 8–12 participants in a group.

Men who participate in a men’s behaviour change group are often very diverse. But they have at least one thing in common: they have all used violent and controlling behaviour towards a family member.

Newcomers to a group usually find their fellow group members welcoming and non-judgemental. They often appreciate having support from others who are willing to face up to the hurt they have caused and take steps towards change. They also find it helpful to know that they are not alone.

In most groups, participants usually sit along a broad spectrum of readiness and openness to taking responsibility and change.

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What happens?

In men’s behaviour change groups, most of the time is spent talking — usually on a set topic or theme. Group leaders and participants share responsibility for encouraging everyone to reflect on their attitudes, beliefs and the effects of their actions. Most group sessions also include an information segment and an opportunity to talk about your experiences of the week.

There are several things that men can do to start to make things safer for their partner. Participants in men’s behaviour change groups learn, practise and discuss these so that they can use them at home.

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Are programs only for men who use physical violence?

Men don't need to have used physical violence to benefit from a men’s behaviour change group.

Many men who participate in groups have never hit or otherwise physically hurt their partner. But through their actions and words, they have made their partner and children scared. This is just as wrong as physically hurting someone.

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How are programs accountable to women and children?

Men's Behaviour Change Programs provided by members of No To Violence are required to:

  • have contact with participants' partners and recent ex-partners (if they want it) to ensure that they have detailed safety plans and that their needs for information and all kinds of support are met
  • provide detailed education for participants about the effects of male family violence on women and children
  • use a variety of methods to make sure women's and children's voices are heard in the process (for example, by constantly reminding participants to reflect on what their partner might have felt or experienced)
  • have appropriate protocols and practices to respond to specific incidents of increased risk to women and children
  • work in close collaboration with local women's agencies.
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