PEOPLE WHO USE VIOLENCE (NPRF 24.01)
The experiences of migrant and refugee families of men’s behaviour change programs
18 months
People from culturally and racially marginalised migrant and refugee backgrounds make up a significant part of Australia’s population. When designing and implementing interventions for domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), it is crucial to consider and respond to their unique needs.
Research shows various, compounding structural and interpersonal factors limit the ability of migrant and refugee families to seek help and exacerbate the impacts of DFSV. Therefore, specific interventions are necessary.
Research aims
This study seeks to understand the experiences, benefits, and challenges faced by migrant and refugee men and their families in MBCPs. By gaining insight into their experiences, the project aims to guide the improvement and evaluation of these programs.
Methods
The project will be conducted in Victoria using participatory and qualitative research methodologies and will consist of five key components:
- An integrative review of existing literature.
- A stakeholder advisory group, including representatives of community organisations and service providers and people with lived expertise of DFSV from migrant and refugee backgrounds, to guide research design, interpretation of findings and development of practice and policy recommendations.
- Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders who facilitate and manage MBCPs.
- Semi-structured interviews with migrant and refugee men who have previously used violence and participated in MBCPs.
- Semi-structured interviews with migrant and refugee women who have had partners participate in MCBPs.
Migrant and refugee men and women will be from Vietnamese, South Asian, Arabic-speaking or Afghan backgrounds, living across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Significance
The goal of this project is to guide national policies for working with migrant and refugee men who use violence. We urgently need evidence to make better practice, policy and funding decisions.
By learning from the views and experiences of those who run and participate in these programs, as well as their partners, we can get a clearer picture of how MBCPs work.
The study will also examine the positive changes people attribute to these programs, identify current examples of good practice, and explore if programs are culturally safe for migrant and refugee men who participate.
Researchers
Project lead
Associate Professor Karen Block, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
Research team
Professor Cathy Vaughan, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Georgina Sutherland, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
Gemma Tarpey-Brown, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
Phuong Hoang, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
Research partners
Nazir Yousafi, Relationships Australia
Zia Ibrahimi, Sunraysia Community Health Services
Budget
$206,867 (excluding GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.