A specialized initiative aims to combat gender-based violence by shifting the focus onto abusive male individuals. The primary objective of the Engaging Men program is to offer men the opportunity to understand and cease perpetrating violence against their female partners or other women in their lives. Administered by the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, the program is both free and voluntary.
Participants in the program are men who have engaged in violence against women, acknowledged their behavior, and are committed to making positive changes. According to Jude Oudshoorn, a program counselor, the unique strategy of holding perpetrators accountable has proven to be effective. Oudshoorn emphasized the necessity of innovative thinking in addressing the prevalent issue of intimate partner violence, especially considering that most perpetrators are men.
Launched in 2023, the Engaging Men program has seen over 80 men complete the course, which includes eight counseling sessions and referrals to additional support services. Notably, a significant portion of referrals now originates from officers at the Waterloo Regional Police Service, including Detective Constable Andrea Gilker from the intimate partner violence unit.
Gilker highlighted the importance of careful selection when offering referrals to men, ensuring readiness for participation in the program. She emphasized ongoing communication to assess the presence of violence or controlling behavior in relationships. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93% expressing satisfaction and 96% willing to recommend the program to others. Additionally, 89% reported improved conflict resolution skills post-program completion.
Oudshoorn shared his experience in assisting abusive men through different settings and stressed the importance of early intervention. He challenged societal norms regarding male behavior and expectations. Gilker underscored that supporting men not only benefits them but also their partners, children, and the community at large, emphasizing the program’s significant impact in curbing domestic abuse.
Moving forward, Gilker sees the necessity for police services to collaborate with partner agencies to provide essential support services for men. The success of programs like Engaging Men demonstrates the potential for widespread positive outcomes in addressing gender-based violence.