Monitoring is the systematic process of collecting, analysing, and applying information as a prevention programme proceeds. We often think of monitoring as a mechanism to ensure that a programme has achieved what it set out to do. However, programme monitoring should also focus on learning, including how to improve processes and activities as they are being implemented and catching early problems or gaps. It is important to create learning and feedback loops within a monitoring system to ensure that monitoring data informs programme adjustments if needed.

Implementing violence prevention and response interventions can sometimes lead to backlash resulting in an increase in violence against women and their children. Programmes should identify corresponding risks (including unequal gender norms), consider how these risks might interact with the programme, develop mitigation strategies, and monitor for unintended consequences, including whether the programme is exacerbating violence against women and their children.