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The Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention Programme Process and Outcome Evaluation
The Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention (ECVP) work programme was established by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) as a time-limited programme (July 2022-June 2026) to strengthen the prevention of family violence and sexual violence (FVSV) within ethnically diverse communities.
An evaluation was commissioned to build the evidence base for family violence and sexual violence prevention within ethnically diverse communities and to assess the implementation, early outcomes and learnings from two community-led ECVP initiatives that formed part of the programme's prevention approach: the South Asian Trials in Auckland and the Ethnic Communities Innovation Fund project initiative. Together, these initiatives supported 30 community partners to design and deliver family violence and sexual violence prevention activities tailored to the needs of ethnically diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Evaluation also supports MSD’s commitment to sharing evidence about effective community-led and culturally grounded prevention approaches and informing future policy, investment and practice. Publication of the Evaluation supports transparency, evidence-informed decision making and the sharing of insights that can strengthen violence prevention efforts within ethnically diverse communities.
The Evaluation used a developmental and participatory approach and included an online survey, interviews and focus groups with key community and sector stakeholders. It examined community mobilisation, leadership development, violence prevention capability, awareness of family violence and sexual violence, protective factors and emerging changes in attitudes, behaviours and social norms.
Key findings
The Evaluation found promising evidence that culturally grounded, community-led initiatives can support ethnically diverse communities to engage in family violence and sexual violence prevention and build stronger, safer and more connected communities. While the initiatives were delivered over a relatively short timeframe, the findings indicate early signs of positive change and provide insights to inform future prevention practice. Other findings include that:
- Culturally responsive, community-led approaches showed positive results in engaging communities and creating safe spaces for learning, discussion and change.
- Participants reported increased awareness of healthy relationships, greater understanding of rights and available supports, and increased confidence discussing family violence and sexual violence. There was also strong willingness among participants to engage in discussions about healthy relationships, gender roles, family wellbeing and violence prevention.
- Community mobilisation approaches strengthened trust, leadership, social connections and community capability while reducing stigma around discussing violence.
- A significant number of participants disclosed experiences of violence once trusted relationships had been established, highlighting the value of culturally safe and community-led prevention initiatives.
- The Evaluation identified early signs of positive changes in attitudes, behaviours and social norms, including increased willingness to seek help and challenge harmful behaviours and beliefs.
- Community champions, faith leaders and peer advocates played a critical role in supporting participation, leadership development and positive change.
- The Evaluation highlighted the importance of culturally responsive services, systems and support pathways that are trusted and accessible for ethnically diverse communities.
- The Evaluation identified opportunities to strengthen future impact through sustained investment, leadership development, multilingual resources, improved service responsiveness and stronger monitoring and evaluation.
The Evaluation findings show the value of culturally grounded, community-led approaches and provide evidence to inform future violence prevention policy and practice for ethnically diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings also contribute to MSD's broader understanding of how community-led prevention approaches can strengthen leadership, social connection, capability and wellbeing outcomes within diverse communities.