Verian is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on a longitudinal study to assess the effectiveness of men's help-seeking campaign interventions, and other influencing factors on the attitudes and behaviours of men at risk of using violence. Over time, MSD aims to uncover compelling stories of change and identify the key conditions that motivate and support positive behavioural shifts away from family and intimate partner violence.
We have recruited 24 men through community networking who are in challenging relationships, where there is the risk of violent and/or abusive behaviours. To capture a pre-journey of change perspective, these participants are not currently receiving formal support, as we are aiming to understand their experiences before any intervention begins. These men have been engaged over the course of a 15 month period, with regular conversations with an experienced men’s practitioner.
To build strong rapport and gather deep insights, the interview team we have engaged is specifically skilled in 1-on-1 conversations with these types of participants. Our researchers have extensive experience working with at-risk men and bring lived experience of personal change journeys. This allows them to connect on a deeper level, fostering trust and ensuring meaningful, high-quality insights. This allows for the creation of safe spaces for both participants and interviewers, fostering trust, encouraging rapport, and ensuring a secure environment for open discussions. This approach has led to personal disclosures among many of the men we spoke to. Some men told us that this was the first time they had talked about these instances of violence or their own personal trauma.
Maintaining a neutral standpoint is essential, we avoid intervening in a potential change journey unless specifically required or requested, allowing respondents to follow their own paths naturally. An escalation team (skilled in diffusing challenging situations) is on hand should any of the men disclose a concern that might put themselves or those close to them in harm’s way.
These insights are then regularly bought back to the study team for in-depth cross collaborative analysis. Through naturalistic discovery, we observe whether respondents spontaneously encounter the campaigns and resources which have been developed by MSD, and what other influences seem to be important in creating the impetus to embark on a journey of change.
When the final conversations are complete at the end of the study period, we will assess whether men are questioning their behaviours and considering whether these are acceptable, and if they are becoming more committed to seeking help for abusive behaviours.
We will be able to identify the factors that encourage or discourage these shifts, including the conditions that motivate and support change, and the role of formal and informal support. We’ll also explore the campaign’s impact, examining whether men are aware of it, if it resonates, and whether it leads to reflection or action.
Based on these insights, this will form recommendations for future iterations of the campaign and strategies for encouraging men on a change journey. Additionally, we will reflect on what we've learned about the research approach and suggest directions for future studies