Masculinities and men in prevention of family and gender-based violence: A Theory of Change for Victoria

Everyone in Victoria deserves to live and love with dignity, connection and respect.  

To present a framework for how we get there, the Women’s Health Services Network, Jesuit Social Services – The Men’s Project and Safe and Equal have partnered to develop Masculinities and men in prevention of family and gender-based violence - A Theory of Change for Victoria.  

Engaging men in the change required to prevent family and gender-based violence has been a long-standing topic for communities, organisations, partnerships, practitioners and advocates. Men and boys must be part of the solution. Shifting the conditions that give rise to family and gender-based violence, including harmful masculinities, cannot happen without them. 

Through this Theory of Change, the partnership set out to bring together our collective thinking and build greater clarity about what it means to engage masculinities and men, and how this work fits within prevention. Exploring the connections between masculinities and men, what it means to engage and support men in different contexts, and the nexus between primary prevention and early intervention. 

The Theory of Change presents a way of understanding this work and supporting advocacy for accountable and coordinated approaches. It also aims to support decision-makers and help light the way towards meaningful practice and program opportunities in real-world contexts.