The KODY Research Project

The KODY research project is a multi-component evaluation of the innovative KODY program, integrating the work of our partner organisations with academic rigour, to address the complex issues for children, women, and men living with domestic and family violence (DFV) and alcohol and other drugs (AOD).

The KODY research project comprises a quasi-experimental summative evaluation (Component A), a formative evaluation (Component B), and a developmental evaluation utilising inquiry methods to explore specific innovations in the project (Components C, D, and E).

Component A — Program effectiveness: How effective is the KODY program in supporting safety for mothers and children from DFV and other AOD-related harms that are perpetrated by men who use DFV and AOD?

Component B — Investigating processes of change: How does the KODY program deepen understanding of the impact of DFV and AOD and what are the implications for service responses?

Component C — All-of-family approach: How does an integrated all-of-family approach contribute to the effectiveness of multisectoral AOD and DFV responses?

Component D — Children’s voices: PhD study investigating children's experiences of the father-child relationship in the context of family violence and parental substance misuse (Larissa Fogden).

Component E — Cross-sectoral collaboration and the policy context: PhD study investigating cross-sector collaboration between DFV and AOD services (Van Nguyen).

With a significant proportion of KODY service users anticipated to be from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, attention to culturally sensitive practice will be integrated into all research components. The research is being conducted in consultation with the Odyssey House Victoria’s Aboriginal Advisory Group to ensure the culture safety of the program and the research for all family members, including the processes required for a mainstream organisation to respond appropriately to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.