Men’s Behaviour Change Programs

In order to prevent DFSV, we need to stop it before it starts, and prevent it escalating once it has emerged.

Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCPs) are an important component in the prevention of and response to men’s use of domestic and family violence (DFV).

The focus of MBCPs is to work with men to change their attitudes and behaviours as well as providing critical support for their partners, ex partners and children (noting that there are many types of perpetrator interventions and MBCPs is just one).

Outcome 4 under the DFSV Reduction Framework 2018-28 Safe, Respected and Free from Violence is: Perpetrators are held accountable and connected early to responses that change their behaviours and reduce violence.

Current Programs

Territory Families, Housing and Communities funds two MBCPs in the Northern Territory – one in Alice Springs and the other in Darwin (with outreach to Wadeye).

These programs had 172 participants last financial year:

• 98 men in Alice Springs
• 58 men in Darwin
• 16 men in Wadeye.

NT Corrections communicates regularly with service providers and the courts about available spots and to support assessment of suitable participants for the program before an order is made.

Programs operate waitlists where required, as it can be difficult to recruit the specialists to run these programs.

New Katherine program

A third, regional pilot program is being developed in Katherine and will run for 3.5 years.

The pilot program in Katherine is a $2.41 million investment through the Australian Government’s National Partnership Agreement to provide specialist services for men who are perpetrators of domestic and family violence.

Aim of programs

These programs provide tailored services to men to educate them about what drives their abusive behaviour.

Through the program, the men are held accountable for their actions and supported to develop new behaviours, attitudes and beliefs.

During this process the safety of women and children is always prioritised and the programs each employ a dedicated Women’s Safety Worker to provide that support directly to victim survivors.

Funding

The Northern Territory Government has increased funding of the existing 2 Men’s Behaviour Change Programs for 2 years, by $5.32 million under Action Plan 2, in addition to their base funding of $1.16 million per year.

Additional funding commenced in October 2023 to enable greater capacity to deliver programs.

Evaluation

ANROWS is conducting an evaluation of the two Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, this will be completed in July 2024.

NT Minimum Standards and Application Process for Declared DFV Rehabilitation Programs

The development of the NT Minimum Standards and Application Process for Declared DFV Rehabilitation Programs (Minimum Standards) is a commitment under Action Plan 2 of the NT DFSV Reduction Framework (action 2.1a).

The Minimum Standards were developed through an iterative review, feedback and development process. The process included a DFV sector workshop with two feedback loops, and further review by DFV sector, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, government agencies, the DFSV Cross Agency Working Group and Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS).

For more information, read the NT Minimum Standards and Application Process for Declared DFV Rehabilitation Programs PDF (1.0 MB)