Our
Story
Get to Know Us
Since 2015, the MATE Bystander Program has been empowering individuals to become active bystanders and prevent various forms of discrimination and violence, including sexism, racism, harassment, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and bullying. Originating in the gender-based violence arena, our suite of programs provide comprehensive training to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to intervene safely and effectively.
our visionaries
Professor Paul Mazerolle and Doctor Shannon Springs-Murdoch were instrumental in bringing this program to fruition. From its roots in the United States, through the MVP Program created by Jackson Katz, Dr Shannon Spriggs-Murdoch moved to Australia with a vision to share the message across our country. With the support of Professor Paul Mazerolle, these two visionaries made the program what it is today. Professor Patrick O'Leary now provides the academic oversight to the curriculum and Shaan Ross-Smith continues to lead the team as a Co-Director of the MATE program. We owe a lot to them!
Our awesome clients
our evidence based program
01
Independent Evaluation
In November 2021, Griffith University commissioned ACER to conduct an evaluation of the program against its objectives. With extensive experience in program evaluation on behalf of governments, non-governmental organisations and commercial organisations, ACER was well-placed to review the effectiveness of the MATE Bystander Program.
03
Does it address violence against women?
Data collected from more than 500 prior participants in feedback forms across 2019 and 2020 showed that between 76 and 100 per cent reported that they were more aware of violence against women after the program.
02
How it was conducted
ACER researchers surveyed 76 Train the Trainer participants and conducted interviews with 10 key stakeholders (including program staff and key informants including relatives of those killed by their partners), 4 facilitators and 10 prior program participants. In addition, Griffith University provided ACER with feedback collected from 569 program participants in 22 different survey instruments. ACER synthesised this data for the common survey items and coded qualitative data thematically.
04
Does it empower bystanders?
Between 78 and 100 per cent of prior participants in the program reported that they were comfortable intervening as a bystander in difficult situations, with between 90 and 100 per cent reporting that the training had increased this confidence. Again, this was echoed in the evaluation survey, with 90 per cent of respondents reporting feeling more confident about intervening to stop problematic behaviour after the program.
