Engaging men in violence prevention through movement and dialogue

In a unique partnership initiative, Women's Health Grampians, Melbourne Storm and National Rugby League are working with male players in sporting clubs towards violence prevention. These members of WHG's Communities of Respect & Equality (CoRE) Alliance are working together to prevent violence against women.

Rugby players are offered sessions that use physical movement as a delivery style. They participate in active bystander training and learn about the serious issue that is gender-based violence:

• the causes
• how to prevent it
• how to gain the skills and confidence to call out sexism and offensive locker room talk.

Movement-Based Education is a key feature of the NRL's Voice Against Violence, and the Melbourne Storm's 'Stand Up, Speak Out and Take Action' gender equality outreach programs.

The program involves a dynamic 90-minute session, starting with a 45-minute on-field high performance session to introduce violence prevention concepts. This is followed by a 45-minute interactive educational session with players in the locker room. This continues the dialogue on gender-based violence in a safe and non-threating environment.

The combination of male facilitators, who are former elite athletes, working in partnership with a women's health service was very powerful. It enabled meaningful and genuine buy-in from participants.

Finding innovative ways to engage and work with men in prevention is important.

Movement-based training can be a powerful vehicle to carry messages about respect and equality.

Find out more through Women's Health Grampians.