This week marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a powerful global call to end violence against women and children. In this context, we’re keen to re-share our “Engaging Fathers in Building a Non-Violent Future” piece written by Michael Flood.
The paper highlights that fathers — and fatherhood more broadly — are a critical yet under-utilised entry point for preventing men’s violence against women and children.
Why Fathers Matter in Violence Prevention
- Positive father involvement strengthens families
The evidence shows that when fathers are supportive, involved, caring and consistent, children’s developmental and educational outcomes improve, mothers’ parenting is supported, and fathers themselves experience better wellbeing. - Positive fathering is linked to lower rates of violence
Homes where caregiving is more equally shared — and where fathers are positively engaged — tend to experience lower levels of intimate partner violence and child abuse. - Fathers influence gendered drivers of violence
Because fathering shapes children’s understanding of relationships, gender and power, fathers who model respect, equity and non-violence can disrupt the harmful social norms that underlie gender-based violence. - Fatherhood is a key opportunity for men’s engagement
Since many adult men are fathers (or will become fathers), fatherhood is a meaningful and highly relatable setting for engaging men in violence prevention, respectful relationships and healthier masculinity.
Download the full white paper here.
What the Evidence Tells Us
Promising results from father-focused programs
Research shows improvements in father–child interactions, parenting confidence and attitudes when programs specifically target fathers. Some interventions with a violence-prevention focus also demonstrate reductions in violent behaviours.
But there are evidence gaps
Few programs have long-term follow-up, large samples or rigorous evaluation of violence-related outcomes. The field is growing, but more investment is needed to build a stronger evidence base.
Key Considerations for Practice
- Design father-engagement programs with gender equity at the centre — not reinforcing outdated ideas of fatherhood.
- Use fatherhood as a gateway to broader conversations about masculinity, respect and relationships.
- Integrate violence-prevention content, not just parenting skills.
- Prioritise peer support and shared learning among fathers.
- Connect father groups to wider prevention systems, services and policy.
- Measure outcomes that truly matter — including partner safety and child wellbeing.
16 Days of Activism & Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)
The 16 Days campaign invites communities to take action on the underlying drivers of gender-based violence. Engaging fathers contributes by:
- Shifting harmful gender norms
- Promoting shared caregiving
- Modelling respectful relationships
- Mobilising men as allies in prevention efforts
- Creating safer family environments for children.
