Gender-based violence comes on the scene: Creative Arts Therapies intervention in prison with men who committed or tried to commit feminicide

Abstract

Gender-based violence is a pervasive phenomenon to be prevented. This study presents the findings of an intermodal psychodrama intervention aimed at counteracting the risk of future violent behaviour. Six prisoners who committed or tried to commit femicide participated in 10 psychodrama sessions in prison. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the sessions’ transcripts and interviews. Four themes were found: (1) participants’ preliminary motivation, (2) positive and critical aspects of the intervention, (3) personal and relational changes, and (4) reflections on gender roles. The project increased participants’ well-being and led them to new reflections on themselves, others and their relationship with women.