“It’s Really Important that we Listen to Them”: Engaging Immigrant Men in Family Violence Prevention

Abstract Purpose The evidence base for what works to engage men and boys in primary prevention of family violence is limited. We consider strategies for engaging men from immigrant communities in family violence prevention in Victoria, Australia. Methods Drawing on interviews/focus groups and progress reports from five organizations running family violence prevention initiatives in immigrant communities, we explore how interventions with men and boys from immigrant communities in Victoria have played out in practice, with implications for engaging men more broadly. Results All five organizations reported they had utilized a strategy of taking an ‘indirect approach’, sometimes described as a ‘soft approach’, to engaging men in violence prevention and gender equality, with some success. The indirect approach included carefully framing and tailoring activities, using statistics and facts to challenge myths, and fostering a safe and respectful space for all participants. The organizations found the indirect approach was a useful starting point for increasing men’s readiness for, and receptivity to, prevention messaging and ensuring men remained engaged and supportive of the prevention initiatives. However, the organizations noted the importance of ongoing funding and resourcing for subsequent, deeper prevention work. They also reported the importance of going beyond embedding cultural relevance in prevention programs to also addressing experiences of racism, with stigmatization of immigrant groups a problem in itself and a barrier to violence prevention. Conclusions These findings highlight effective strategies for violence prevention initiatives, and the importance of embedding gender transformative and intersectional approaches into violence prevention work with men and boys.