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Family violence is recognized as the violence toward a family member that is threatening, coercive, controlling, dominating, and causes people to fear for their safety and well-being; this complex problem primarily affects women and children. In order to enhance women and children's safety, Men's Behavior Change Programs (MBCPs) aim to achieve change in perpetrators' violent behaviors, by making men accountable and responsible for their actions. The objective of this rapid review was to examine MBCP content, implementation, and the impact on participant and family outcomes. Thirteen articles and 10 MBCPs were identified, using PRISMA guidelines, electronic database searches, and an inclusion criteria of English peer-reviewed articles examining MBCPs or domestic violence perpetrator programs with male perpetrators of family/domestic/intimate partner violence as program participants. The findings of this review indicated a limited evidence base of detailed MBCP evaluations. Information relating to program content was included for nine MBCPs and covered a wide range of topics. None of the articles examined the links between men's accountability and responsibility to the safety and well-being of women and children. Also, none of the articles included assessments of integrity of program delivery, system processes, or evaluations based on program logics. Positive changes were reported for MBCP participants, including communication, parenting, interpersonal relationships, aggression, abuse, responsibility for behavior, self-awareness power and control tactics, empathy, skills development, cognitive beliefs, behavior control, and abusiveness patterns. A whole family approach was utilized by some of the programs and one article reported on family outcomes.

Men's behaviour change programs (MBCPs) are group programs for men using family violence. This preliminary evaluation examines participants' and facilitators' perceptions of a redeveloped MBCP. Participants reported significant improvements in their ability to manage stress, understand the impact of their use of violence, and apply skills to repair the impact of their use of violence. Facilitators reported that peer support was an important component contributing to changes in the participants' knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviours. Preliminary findings indicate that the program could potentially influence men's perceptions of family violence and consequently promote the safety and wellbeing of women and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on working with perpetrators of family violence and their victims. Topics include counsellors, therapists, program facilitators, and case workers draw on the extensive skills and knowledge to encourage perpetrators; and program facilitators, and counsellors for professionals working in the family violence sector.