Needs and Conditions for Men in Unpaid Care Work. A Contribution to Violence Prevention

In Austria, unpaid care work is increasingly being taken on by men*, who, in addition to structural burdens, are also confronted with traditional notions of masculinity – which increases the risk of overload, isolation and financial difficulties. Since such situations of overload are a key risk factor for domestic violence and even femicide, the project aims to highlight the needs of men* who provide care, develop support options and thus contribute to the prevention of violence.  The aim of the project is to protect women – especially those aged 60 and over – from violence by caring partners by significantly improving the conditions for men* who perform unpaid care work.  To this end, the project combines research, practice and public relations work: qualitative surveys (interviews with men* who provide care, company representatives and experts) identify the conditions that lead to overload and the support needs of men* who provide care. To this end, the project combines research, practice and public relations work: in qualitative surveys (interviews with male carers, company representatives and experts), overload, support needs and effective prevention levers are systematically collected and condensed into a research report with recommendations for action.

On this basis, the project team is developing and testing practical support tools: focus groups for the co-creation of measures, a modular training concept for male carers, professionals and companies, and two guides (for professionals/male carers and for companies).  Accompanying this, public relations work – with an online dossier, media cooperation, accessible materials (infographics, short explanatory videos, brochures) and a closing event – ensures visibility, transfer and impact. Accompanying public relations work – with an online dossier, media collaborations, accessible materials (infographics, short explanatory videos, brochures) and a closing event – ensures visibility, transfer and sustainable anchoring. A practical advisory board, which meets three times during the project period, accompanies concept development and data collection and supports the preparation of the results, while a public advisory board supports the dissemination of the results.

The study is being conducted in cooperation with the Institute for Men’s and Gender Studies, Elli Scambor and Oliver Posch. The Institute for Men’s and Gender Studies is responsible for the overall project management.