Embedding Legal Education in Men’s Behaviour Change Programs: Applying a Victim Survivor Lens
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Wednesday, November 29, 2023 |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Overview
Youna Kim, Nadine Gadd Better Health Network (Formerly known as Star Health) & Lisa Ward, First Step Legal
Speaker
Ms Youna Kim
Program Manager – Strengthening Communities
Better Health Network
Embedding Legal Education in Men’s Behaviour Change Programs: Applying a Victim Survivor Lens
Abstract
Contact with the legal system is an opportunity to build perpetrators’ insight into their behaviour and motivation to change. However, many men have unrealistic expectations about the court process and/or fail to engage with the requirements of court orders. This can increase risk for victim survivors.
In an Australian first, Better Health Network has partnered with the First Step Legal community legal centre to pilot the delivery of legal education as part of the Mens’ Behaviour Change Program (MBCP). The aim of the initiative is to increase men’s compliance with orders and their understanding of how the legal system works, including the interface between family, civil and criminal law.
The initiative has been informed by a review of the evidence, a thorough survey of like initiatives both nationally and internationally and wide consultation with stakeholder groups. It has been led by a men’s behaviour change expert in collaboration with skilled legal practitioners.
Most importantly, the initiative has been codesigned with victim survivors to ensure that the risks of ‘weaponizing’ legal information are minimised. Family safety contact workers play an integral role in the initiative, contacting women partners in advance of the education session to advise them of the content that will be covered and then following up afterwards to ensure there are no inadvertent consequences.
Legal educators receive comprehensive training in working with perpetrators of family violence and are alert to the potential for coercive or manipulative behaviour and abuse of legal processes. The goal of the education session is to prevent manipulation and abuse, not enable it.
The initiative is supported by a robust, independent process evaluation that privileges continuous feedback and learning by the partner organizations.
In an Australian first, Better Health Network has partnered with the First Step Legal community legal centre to pilot the delivery of legal education as part of the Mens’ Behaviour Change Program (MBCP). The aim of the initiative is to increase men’s compliance with orders and their understanding of how the legal system works, including the interface between family, civil and criminal law.
The initiative has been informed by a review of the evidence, a thorough survey of like initiatives both nationally and internationally and wide consultation with stakeholder groups. It has been led by a men’s behaviour change expert in collaboration with skilled legal practitioners.
Most importantly, the initiative has been codesigned with victim survivors to ensure that the risks of ‘weaponizing’ legal information are minimised. Family safety contact workers play an integral role in the initiative, contacting women partners in advance of the education session to advise them of the content that will be covered and then following up afterwards to ensure there are no inadvertent consequences.
Legal educators receive comprehensive training in working with perpetrators of family violence and are alert to the potential for coercive or manipulative behaviour and abuse of legal processes. The goal of the education session is to prevent manipulation and abuse, not enable it.
The initiative is supported by a robust, independent process evaluation that privileges continuous feedback and learning by the partner organizations.
Biography
Youna Kim MSW, MBA, BA
With over twenty-five-year professional experience based in social work and corporate business, Youna Kim demonstrates an enduring commitment to sustainable outcomes whilst upholding values of social justice, cultural sensitivity, gender equality and equity. Youna has worked in child protection, family services, specialist family violence, disability, and community health supports.
Lisa Ward BSW (Hons), MBA, Juris Doctor
Lisa Ward is a trusted voice in Victoria’s justice system, with over thirty-five years’ experience in criminal justice, child protection and family services. Lisa works across the government and community sectors, with a key focus on forging stronger connections between justice and human services. She has been an independent advisor to major government reforms, providing strategic advice on legislative, policy and program design.
Nadine Gadd BA Social Work
Nadine has over twenty-five years’ experience of working with men who use violence, both in Australia and South Africa. She has been the coordinator of the Family Violence Program at Star Health for the past 5 years and continues to facilitate MBCP groups. Nadine is a strong advocate of holding men responsible for using violence and keeping women and children safe.
