Recent research emphasises outcomes for women and children being measured not only in terms of abuse being experienced but also levels of fear, quality of life and experiences and use of police, courts and other domestic violence services. Facilitators who work with mandated men said because mandating reduces options, it can reduce resistance to participation. Many service providers were unclear as to what mandating meant. Many confused a recommendation from a parole officer or magistrate with an actual specific sentencing directive Voluntary programs Voluntary programs were found to have high drop out rates and tended to vary widely according to the service deliverer, often relying heavily on the skill of the facilitator to engage participants. Most programs currently offered are delivered in urban or large regional centres and target male, English speaking domestic violence perpetrators only.
Few services are available for people with special needs or poor English language skills.
Programs for Indigenous men focusing solely on domestic violence were difficult to locate. While there is evidence that programs may reduce physical abuse in the short term and help women feel safer if their partner has participated, there is also evidence that other forms of abuse emotional and psychological, threats and harassment etc may even get worse for some women. Self help groups for perpetrators are not generally considered to be effective in changing attitudes and behaviour.