Introduction

This chapter focuses on efforts to engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence (GBV). We examine violence prevention efforts at the individual, family, community, and global levels. We highlight a range of innovative approaches from around the world, including restorative justice practices, online programs, culturally focused counseling, working with fathers and their children to recognize and prevent intergenerational violence, enhancing men's capacity to support their pregnant partners, and involving men as allies in the effort to prevent violence against women. We review the growing but still limited body of research on efforts to engage men and boys in preventing GBV, and we offer recommendations for future research directions.

Why engage men and boys in preventing GBV?

Worldwide, male violence against women is a pervasive problem. Women are substantially more likely to be killed by their spouse or adult son or sexually assaulted by someone they know than by strangers (Minerson et al., 2011). While constructions of male identity and masculinity play a crucial role in shaping some men's perpetration of violence, most men do not use or condone violence. Recently, efforts to prevent violence against women have begun to emphasize that men have a significant and positive role to play in helping to end men's violence (Minerson et al., 2011; Pease, 2008, p. 6; WHO, 2002). Minerson et al. (2011), for example, argue that gender inequality disadvantaging women and patriarchal power imbalances are the root cause of GBV, and therefore must be addressed as part of the solution (p. 2). Focusing on effective and positive program practices that educate, support, and help men and boys to develop healthy relationships, Minerson et al. (2011) consider GBV prevention efforts potentially transformative for both men and women.

Jewkes et al. (2015) also point out that social values and gender norms influence how men define themselves and their roles in social and intimate relationships (p. 1581). Involving men and boys in violence prevention programs with women and girls provides the opportunity to work on multiple levels to address social norms and change behaviors. Casey and Tolman et al. (2016) found that men who are motivated to engage in GBV prevention efforts are so motivated because they have a commitment to social justice, feel empathy toward survivors, or have multiple precipitants of antiviolence involvement (p. 16).