From individual interventions to structural change: Why public health leadership is needed to engage men and boys in violence prevention

Abstract

Objectives

To review practice in Wales for engaging men and boys in violence prevention and examine how public health can support effective and coordinated efforts as part of a whole system approach.

Study design

A mixed-methods study combining a national mapping survey and qualitative focus group research.

Methods

A mapping survey (n = 36) was conducted to identify programmes across Wales aimed at engaging men and boys in violence prevention. In addition, a focus group was held with leads from eight ‘Test and Learn’ pilot projects. Data were analysed thematically to identify key enablers, barriers, and features of promising practice.

Results

Programmes varied in focus, target age group, geographical reach, and tier of prevention. Practitioners highlighted the effectiveness of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally relevant approaches. Staff empathy, relationships and coproduction were identified as critical success factors. However, the review also found limited evidence of strategic coordination, evaluation, or long-term investment in this area.

Conclusions

Engaging men and boys in violence prevention is vital to addressing the gendered dynamics of perpetration and maximising opportunities for prevention. This research reveals a developing landscape of interventions that, while showing promising elements of trauma-informed, strengths-based practice, remains fragmented and inconsistent in its strategic coordination and evaluation. Realising the full potential of this approach will require public health leadership to move beyond individual behaviour change towards a whole-system approach that addresses the structural drivers of gendered violence.