A Life without Violence? Experience of Treatment for Perpetrators of Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships in a Small Nordic Welfare Society

Freydís J Freysteinsdóttir

doi:10.22158/rhs.v3n2p46

Abstract

In this study, the experiences of perpetrators of violence in intimate relationships in Iceland that took part in this program; “Peace at home” were explored. Also the experiences of survivors were examined, who had a spouse that took part in that treatment program. A qualitative method was used, interviews were taken with six perpetrators and six survivors. All of the participants were white Icelandic people, none of them had a different ethnic background. The interviews were transcribed and analysed. As a result of their participation in the treatment program, all the perpetrators experienced improvement in quality of life, in their relationships with their spouses and in their general well-being. The survivors experienced the time their spouse was in therapy as positive overall and that it made a difference in their own lives. In all cases the physical violence stopped. However, the emotional abuse did not cease in all cases or increased again. Thus, it seems that perpetrators might need more prolonged treatment or different emphasis in treatment, in order to work on patriarchal mentality and stress-provoking situations.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence is a serious and extensive problem which can have devastating consequences for the victims (Esquivel-Santoveǹa, Lambert, & Hamel, 2013; National center for injury prevention and control, 2003; Thoresen, Myhre, Wemtzel-Larsen, Aakvaag, & Hjermdal, 2015), as well as for the children if they are present (Freysteinsdóttir, 2006; National center for injury prevention and control, 2003; Thoresen et al, 2015)
The results show that even in a small Nordic welfare society, men can be found who have patriarchal ideas, are dealing with different risk factors and are violent towards their partners
The perpetrators thought that their quality of life had improved and they experienced a closer and more fulfilling relationship with their partners after they took part in the treatment program

Summary

Introduction

Intimate partner violence is a serious and extensive problem which can have devastating consequences for the victims (Esquivel-Santoveǹa, Lambert, & Hamel, 2013; National center for injury prevention and control, 2003; Thoresen, Myhre, Wemtzel-Larsen, Aakvaag, & Hjermdal, 2015), as well as for the children if they are present (Freysteinsdóttir, 2006; National center for injury prevention and control, 2003; Thoresen et al, 2015). The cognitive-behavioural approaches are more gender neutral and view violence as a result of thinking errors which therapists work on changing in treatment These interventions emphasize anger management and skills training as well (Dutton, 2008; Dutton & Curvo, 2007). It has been argued, that programs based on the Duluth model and on cognitive-behavioural ideology are getting similar, with both approaches addressing both irrational thoughts as well as attitudes regarding women (Babcock, Green, & Robie, 2004). Since the problem of violence in intimate relationships and violence against women is extensive, it can be argued that treatment programs and an exploration of such programs for perpetrators are important. To explore experienced influence of the treatment on perpetrators from their perspectives and from the perspectives of partners

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion