Programs for men who have used violence against women: Recommendations for Action and Caution

This briefing, prepared in collaboration with MenEngage, Promundo, Rutgers WPF and MenCare+, explores how programs for men who have used intimate partner violence (IPV) can be part of comprehensive approaches to ending IPV, but that these must be implemented with considerable caution. The briefing reviews the literature on approaches and common program components; summarizes the emerging evidence, including evaluation trends; and discusses the challenges of implementing such programs as well as alternative models for holding men accountable for their violent actions.  In addition, the paper outlines necessary pre-conditions for implementing programs for men who have used IPV.

This briefing paper is directed at UN agencies, government staff and policymakers, donors, practitioners and researchers in the field of IPV.