The Perpetrator Intervention Research Stream commenced at the beginning of 2017, and a number of projects are now well underway.  The first of these projects, ‘Evaluation, readiness, program quality and outcomes in men’s behaviour change programs‘, is due to conclude at this end of this year.  

Funded through the ANROWS Perpetrator Intervention Grants Stream, the Evaluation, readiness, program quality and outcomes in men’s behaviour change programs project is led by Professor Andrew Day at James Cook University. Given the lack of Australian research focusing on intervention effectiveness and triggers for behaviour change, Professor Day and his team have been working to build foundational knowledge to support the evidence base for men’s behaviour change programs through site based activities in Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia. The research has three key audiences: practitioners, service providers, and policy makers. While tools for practitioners including practice guidelines have been developed,  a program logic  and the identification of intermediate outcome tools has also been undertaken to assist service providers and officials in maintaining program integrity in development and delivery of men’s behaviour change programs.  

‘There is a need for those who develop standards, commission and deliver programs to be critical consumers of the research evidence that underpins different models of practice,’ said Professor Day. ‘We suggest that for every MBCP, the same questions should be asked:  ‘how do you know if a standard leads to improved safety?’ and ‘how strong is the evidence?’. We see the purpose of this research as a way to help providers and policy makers with a more systematic approach to assessing program quality, resulting ultimately in improved program outcomes’.

The project will conclude at the end of 2017, with release of the final report by ANROWS in 2018. For more information about the Perpetrator Interventions Research Stream click here.

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