In 2018, Relationships Australia NSW developed and launched a culturally adapted Men’s Behaviour Change Program, in partnership with Settlement Services International (SSI), funded by the NSW Government.
The resulting program, Building Stronger Families, was the first of its kind in NSW and was delivered in four communities in Tamil and Arabic.
We initially received funding for a three-year pilot and subsequent one-year extensions. At the end of the 2024 financial year, we made the joint decision with SSI to cease operations when we were offered a further year of insufficient funding.
To close this phase of work, we undertook a research study to understand how culturally adapted Men’s Behaviour Change Programs play a role in addressing men’s use of violence. We interviewed and surveyed stakeholders, sector leaders, and participants to evaluate the service’s successes and opportunities for improvement, as well as offer key recommendations for this type of intervention.
Important takeaways from the research
From the research, we recognised that this program brought an important and underserved value to the community, which included:
- Improved communication and engagement: Mainstream programs often left culturally diverse participants feeling unseen, and culturally adapted programs improved their engagement and sense of representation.
- Bridged cross-cultural divides: The culturally adapted programs aided men in addressing their cultural perspectives and broader Australian societal expectations.
- The importance of lived experience: Participants positively responded to messages that resonated with their cultural context and lived experience.
- Sector capacity-building: From knowledge sharing to networking and resource exchange, practitioners from all backgrounds benefitted from the program.
The Building Stronger Families program demonstrates that while cultural adaption is a necessary intervention, long-term success depends on stable funding and structural support to ensure lasting impact for men and their families from all backgrounds.
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