Engaging Men in Public Policies for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls

This report aims to provide evidence about what works when it comes to the strategy of engaging men and boys to prevent and eventually eradicate violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. The report, which was produced by UN Women, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), EME/CulturaSalud, and Promundo in collaboration with the MenEngage Latin America Network, examines the effectiveness of policies, action plans, and impact-evaluated programmes aiming to engage men in addressing the serious health and human rights issue that is VAWG. In short, the report reveals that it is possible to change men's attitudes toward VAWG through promising, innovative interventions.

The introductory portions of the report explore the scope and characteristics of men's use of VAWG, as well as masculinities and VAWG. The reader learns, for instance, that studies have found strong evidence of the relationship between VAWG by men and the ways in which men learn, live, and practice gender norms within a patriarchal framework. A discussion of global tools and guidelines to address VAWG and description of the report methodology follow.

Next, the report details legislation and action plans on VAWG in LAC. It is noted that, while all the LAC countries examined for this report have made progress in developing comprehensive VAWG action plans and programmes, there are several LAC countries that do not refer to the participation of men as a strategy to prevent or eradicate VAWG. As was noted earlier, the role of men, not only as aggressors but also as potential allies, facilitators, and activists in the fight to achieve gender equality and eliminate all forms of VAWG, has begun to be viewed as an indispensable element that requires specific policies and strategies (MenEngage, 2014).

Assessments of programmes that include men in VAWG prevention are offered, including a review of global programmes. For example, implemented in more than 20 countries worldwide, Program H has been Using socio-educational workshops developed by trained facilitators, several of which are carried out with young men in schools or in the community. In quasi-experimental impact evaluations, significant changes have been reported in the intended groups' attitudes around gender and violence. For instance, in India, Program H (called Yaari Dosti) sought to challenge gender norms and reduce violence against women through workshops with young men (n=1,015) between the ages of 15 and 29, as well as through a social campaign. Post intervention, participants in Mumbai reported using 5 times less physical or sexual violence against the partner, and in Gorakhpur 2 times less, compared to the control group (Arango et al., 2014; Verma et al., 2008). In general, the most promising and effective programmes were those that have a focus on the transformation of gender norms, rigorous design, more than one programme component, and a community campaign. A review of initiatives carried out in the region, outlined in Chart 1 in the document, confirms that interventions and programmes with rigorous impact evaluations are few. However, it was found that intervention models, methodologies, and materials (manuals, audio-visuals, and other campaign tools, etc.) have been developed that focus on gender and masculinities for VAWG prevention with the participation of men. New programmes are being developed for specific contexts such as sports (soccer), health, education, and public safety. The use of socio-educational sessions or workshop formats has a positive impact on gender attitudes and VAWG. Interventions must be culturally relevant and participatory and must provide time for participants to share feelings and reflect. It is necessary to train the facilitators well and change their attitudes and practices before they themselves implement a programme.

The report explores intervention programmes around the world for men who have used VAW (or "batterer intervention programmes"). The programmes are usually known as re-education, re-socialisation, or advisory programmes. Some of the criteria from these existing standards in Europe that are most relevant for the LAC region are: (i) assessment of the victims' risk and security of the victims as basic priorities; (ii) specialised models of intervention; (iii) adequate training of service providers; (iv) careful evaluation of offenders at the time of admission; (v) the need to contact the partner or former partner to ensure they receive services, remediation, etc., and (vi) the emphasis on group formats (Geldschläger et al., 2010; Geldschläger, 2011). Results of impact evaluations of programmes for men who have used VAW at the international level (there is a lack of evidence for LAC progrmames) are provided. However, while some evidence suggests that programmes that engage men who commit violence have a moderate effect on the reduction of VAWG among participants (Babcock, Green and Robie, 2004; Gondolf, 2004; Taylor and Barker, 2013), on the whole, the results are inconclusive and even contradictory.

In addition to assessing the existing work globally and in LAC, the report provides several recommendations on how to expand and strengthen these efforts to engage men in preventing VAWG:

• Conduct more VAWG-prevention research with a focus on gender and masculinities - For example, research and publicise positive stories about men who treat women and girls as equals, men who have ceased to commit violence, male caregivers, and men who are involved parents and who share childcare equitably.
• Include men's engagement in VAWG-prevention laws and national action plans - For example, educate those who are responsible for the design of policies and decisions on the relevance and need to prevent VAWG with male participation.
• Implement more sector-level initiatives to engage men in preventing VAWG - This entails implementing VAWG prevention policies and sector programmes that are designed to reach men from the health, labour, education, citizen safety, and sports sectors, among others. Conduct campaigns, programmes, and preventive interventions in the spaces and contexts where men are.
• Conduct more VAWG-prevention campaigns directed at men - This could involve challenging messages from advertising and the media (TV, press, radio, etc.) that legitimise violence and sexism. It is suggested that practitioners develop guidelines, criteria, and standards for these programnes based on international evidence and regional experience. A list of elements that are considered advisable to take into account may be found on page 44 of the document. To cite only one: It is vital that professionals be properly trained in gender, masculinities, VAWG, group facilitation, and relevant cultural aspects, such as class and ethnicity.
• Carry out more VAWG-prevention programmes and interventions with the general male population - Sample recommendations include: Design comprehensive VAWG-prevention programmes directed at men and using a variety of intervention approaches (workshops, campaigns, graphic elements, the Web and audiovisuals, community mobilisation, education, and training, etc.). In doing so, consider the participation of men at different levels – institutional, community, local, regional, and national – taking into account each level's possibilities and particularities.

The report closes with the following appendices: Reviewed plans and laws; recommended resources; best practices for VAWG prevention through men's engagement; and summary table of a selection of programmes carried out in the region that engage male perpetrators of partner violence.