Diverse programs, common aims, and how we create change
We’re pleased to present a new visual Theory of Change for men’s behaviour change programs (MBCPs).
MBCPs are a key component of Australia’s response to family violence; however, the sector continues to face questions around effectiveness – including when programs work, for whom, and under what conditions. Given the diversity of program models across Australia, developing a shared understanding of how behaviour change occurs is critical to improving both delivery and evaluation.
In 2025, the Relationships Australia (RA) National Research Network initiated a national project, conducted in partnership with the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), aimed at strengthening the evidence base for MBCPs across the RA federation and sector more broadly.
Relationships Australia member organisations deliver a variety of MBCPs in 6 states and territories across the country, making the RA federation one of the largest providers nationally of this intervention. Having delivered programs for male perpetrators of family violence for over 30 years, and with dedicated researchers embedded in our organisations, RA has undertaken this important work to analyse and compare different program models, and enhance the understanding of behaviour change.
The first stage of the project involved designing a generalisable Theory of Change for MBCPs, against which we can evaluate programs with different funding models, legislative contexts and program structures.
Following a co-design process involving RA staff, including MBCP facilitators and other staff working in family violence, we identified common aims, activities and mechanisms for change.
The new Theory of Change was launched on 5 May 2026, during a national webinar with RA and AIFS on the challenges and benefits of this collaborative undertaking, and our early work to align an evaluation framework to the Theory of Change.
The Theory of Change can be used to support not only MBCPs within the RA Federation, but family violence workers and program facilitators across the broader sector.
