New Rules for Men's Behavior Change Groups

Friday, 7 August 2026, 4:43 am

The government wants states to agree on national standards for men's behavior change programs by 2026.

In short:

Men's behavior change programs may face stricter rules.

These programs teach men about respectful relationships and help them manage stress and anger.

What's next?

Federal and state women's ministers will meet today.

Men's behavior change programs will soon have stricter rules if the government gets state ministers to agree.

New standards will require providers to assess risks and ensure victims have access to support services.

Programs range from one-day sessions to months-long support for men who have abused their partners and children.

State and federal ministers will discuss implementing national standards and changing alcohol delivery times.

The men's behavior change sector is varied and a key part of preventing violence against women and children.

Sexual abuse and assault support services are available.

But the quality of these sessions can be mixed.

Ministers agreed to establish national standards in 2024 but didn't set a timeline.

The federal government wants standards sorted by the end of the year as state governments face pressure to increase funding.

Programs want national standards

Samuel Ware welcomes national standards for behavior change programs.

Samuel Ware said national standards will set a clear floor for victim safety and accountability.

The Men's Project runs sessions on masculinity and respect and does research on men's attitudes.

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Mr. Ware said supporting men to change doesn't mean avoiding accountability.

Support and accountability can work together.

Standards are essential but not enough without increased funding.

There's a big gap between men's violence and the reach of justice systems.

Men's behavior change programs help men cope with stress and anger without being violent.

Australia needs more investment in prevention and early intervention.

Amanda Goldstein supports national standards for consistency across agencies.

National standards will help group and individual programs.

Behavior change programs work when combined with other services like housing and counseling.

It's a difficult journey for boys and men to express emotions and be respectful.

Federal Minister Tanya Plibersek said national standards are about accountability for violent men.

If we're serious about ending violence, we can't focus only on responding after harm.

Tanya Plibersek wants states to agree to national standards by 2026.

Engaging with violent men in targeted ways is crucial for women and children's safety.

National standards will improve quality and consistency.

It's about doing what works to keep women and children safe and holding men accountable.

Institutions sign an open letter ahead of the meeting.

Ms. Goldstein said programs like hers need more money to keep working and meet demand.

If we get in early, we won't have as many problems later.

Organisations signed an open letter calling for more funding for violence prevention.

Current funding decisions are creating an untenable situation for women and children.

Governments are responsible for ensuring access to domestic violence services.

Women's safety organisations say governments need to increase funding urgently.

The groups are calling for a dramatic increase in funding for frontline services.

Women can't afford to wait for the next action plan or budget cycle.

Rosie Batty called on the government to increase funding for gendered violence prevention.

Governments can find resources for priorities like fuel subsidies and sports stadiums.

The federal government is working on the second action plan to end violence against women and children.

The specific roadmap for the national plan will be released in 2027.

See more ABC coverage.

If you need someone to talk to, call the support line.

Family and domestic violence support is available.