Perpetrator Programmes Research Articles

Law Enforcement in Cases of Maltreatment of Minors According to Positive Law and Islamic Law Case Study of Decision Number 4/Pid.Sus/2022/Pn Tte, Decision Number 39/Pid.Sus-Anak/2021/Pn Mks, and Decision Number 12/Pid.Sus/2022/Pn Soe

Law enforcement against child abuse crimes in Indonesia still faces various challenges, although the Child Protection Law has provided a strong legal basis. This study aims to analyze the application of law in cases of child abuse based on positive law and Islamic law, and to assess the influence of social and cultural factors that influence the law enforcement process. The research method used is a normative approach with a literature study, in which three court decisions are analyzed as case studies, namely Decision Number 4 / Pid.Sus / 2022 / PN Tte, Decision Number 39 / Pid.Sus-Anak / 2021 / PN Mks, and Decision Number 12 / Pid.Sus / 2022 / PN Soe. The results of the study show variations in the application of sanctions, especially in cases involving child perpetrators and the influence of a culture that is permissive of violence. These factors show inconsistencies in law enforcement that can impact public perceptions of justice. Islamic law offers an alternative approach through the concept of restorative justice, which emphasizes victim recovery and perpetrator rehabilitation, and has the potential to be integrated into the national legal system to strengthen the effectiveness of child protection. This study recommends improving rehabilitation programs for child perpetrators, educating the public to change permissive attitudes towards child abuse, and adopting Islamic legal principles that are oriented towards recovery in the national legal system. These recommendations are expected to strengthen legal protection for children in Indonesia and support the creation of a legal system that is more just and responsive to the rights of children as victims of violence

The Impact of Trauma and Substance Use on Emotion Regulation and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: Implications for Perpetrator Programs

(1) Background: Alcohol and/or other drug use problems (ADUPs) and trauma are key risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) that should be addressed in perpetrator programs. Participants with ADUPs and trauma histories may display greater difficulties in emotion regulation, which may increase the likelihood of IPV recidivism. The study aimed to examine differences among participants with trauma, ADUPs, ADUPs and trauma, and without such factors in dropout, IPV, and variables related to emotion regulation at pre- and post-intervention; (2) Methods: A sample of 312 men court-mandated to attend a perpetrator program (Contexto Program) was used. Variables related to emotion regulation difficulties included alexithymia, depressive symptomatology, and clinical syndromes. IPV variables included self-reported physical and psychological IPV and IPV recidivism risk assessed by facilitators. Comparisons between groups were made using one-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, and two-way repeated measures ANOVAs; (3) Results: Participants with ADUPs and trauma presented greater difficulties on variables related to emotion regulation, higher risk of IPV at pre-intervention, and higher dropout rates. At post-intervention, all participants improved their emotion regulation skills and reduced IPV recidivism risk, with participants with ADUPs and trauma maintaining a higher risk of IPV; (4) Conclusions: IPV perpetrators with ADUPs and trauma are high-risk participants. Interventions should target trauma and ADUPs to improve their effectiveness.

Examining Intervention Programs for Perpetrators and Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Contemporary Approaches

A systematic review of the effectiveness of intervention programs for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) was conducted. Inclusion criteria for studies included publication in a peer-reviewed journal, a representative, community, or clinical sample, written in English, and conducted in the United States. A total of 40 articles were included. Comparisons to a prior review highlight developments in research in the past 10 years. Studies into batterer intervention programs, the predominant form of abuser intervention in the United States, found mixed support for their effectiveness at reducing IPV. Issues with program completion remain a problem. Research into victim–survivor programs proved more promising in both reducing IPV and ameliorating adverse mental health outcomes (i.e., depression and posttraumatic stress disorder). Recommendations for intervention and policy with future directions for IPV research are discussed.

Differences between Recidivists and Non-recidivists Attending a community-based Domestic Violence Perpetrator Program in the Dominican Republic: A Brief Report

Differences between Recidivists and Non-recidivists Attending a community-based Domestic Violence Perpetrator Program in the Dominican Republic: A Brief Report

Differences between Recidivists and Non-recidivists Attending a community-based Domestic Violence Perpetrator Program in the Dominican Republic: A Brief Report

Abstract Purpose Previous research in Western samples has found differences between recidivists and non- recidivists among individuals who attended intervention programs designed to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) offending. However, the extent to which similar characteristics differentiate these groups in a non-Western sample is unknown. Methods This brief report includes data collected by psychologists from men referred to a cognitive behavioral program (n = 1,380) in the Dominican Republic. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted on the data. Results Although specific IPV-related factors such as attitudes towards women and jealousy were significantly associated with recidivism at the bivariate level, these effects disappeared when they were controlled by other relevant predictors in the multivariate model. Instead, general criminogenic factors such as employment status, alcohol consumption, relationships with parents and violent offending towards others were the key factors explaining IPV recidivism. Conclusions IPV recidivism is best explained by accounting for those factors which are common to violent re-offending in general. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of theory and program intervention practices.

Efficacy of the reGENER@r Program on Socio-Emotional Skills and Sexist Beliefs in Perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence: A Pilot Study in Spain.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pronounced expressions of the unequal power relations between women and men. As a tool for action against this phenomenon, psychological intervention programs for perpetrators of GVB are offered. This is how reGENER@r was born; it is a two-month program based on psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral strategies that is part of the alternative measures to GBV-related prison sentences. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of the reGENER@r program on the variables of emotional intelligence, empathy, coping responses, emotional dependency, gender role conflict, and sexist beliefs. To this end, a sample of 37 subjects convicted of crimes of GBV was collected, and a pre- and post-evaluation by means of self-report was carried out. Changes were examined for statistical significance and clinical significance. Significant improvements were observed in the variables of cognitive avoidance, emotional attention, hostile sexism, and distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence. Limitations and implications of these findings are discussed, and some modifications are suggested such as making interventions longer, with a greater gender focus, adapted to the individual characteristics of the participants, and complemented with individual sessions.

A ‘forced holiday’ or ‘no escape route’? Contrasting experiences of survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse during COVID-19

Drawing on a nested qualitative study within REPROVIDE, a randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of a group-based domestic abuse perpetrator programme, this article explores accounts of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of victims/survivors and perpetrators. Based on interviews with male perpetrators and female survivors, including with partner/ex-partner dyads, our study reveals the gendered effects of the pandemic on abusive perpetrator behaviour. Findings are presented through themes addressing the different experiences of victims/survivors and perpetrators during the pandemic. Through an exploration of victim/survivor attempts to ameliorate intensified abuse through compliance (Theme 1), the way perpetrators put on a masculine ‘front’ (Theme 2), the gendered burden of domestic responsibilities (Theme 3) and highlighting the importance of continued specialist support (Theme 4), this article contributes to an understanding of gender inequalities underpinning pre-pandemic domestic violence and abuse and how perpetrators utilised inequalities during COVID restrictions. Some dyads reported relationships feeling more settled in the first UK lockdown, however, this was associated with increased opportunities for control that lockdown provided perpetrators. Both parties experienced changes in service responses. We articulate implications for safe working with perpetrators and families during future pandemics or social crises.

Dealing with discomfort: Affective dissonance in fathers’ narratives of violence

Researchers focusing on fathers’ violence and perpetrator programmes have expressed growing interest in the question of change. Yet, there has been little dialogue in relation to feminist affect theories on change. Drawing on the narratives of eight fathers in Iceland who had been violent against their female partner and/or children, we suggest that attending to comfort and discomfort is central to understanding violent fathers’ process of change. Inspired by feminist theories of affective dissonance, the analysis shows that, on the one hand, fathers avoided dealing with uncomfortable emotions, conversations, and situations in diverse ways, for example, by leaning on women's emotional labour. On the other hand, the fathers also attempted to deal with discomfort, and this was often as part of their decision to seek help, turn to self-reflection, or hold themselves accountable. By foregrounding discomfort in these narratives, this paper provides insights into the possibilities of and hindrances to fathers’ change from perpetrating domestic violence.

"I Am Not Taking Sides as a Female At All": Co-Facilitation and Gendered Positioning in a Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Program.

The facilitation of domestic abuse perpetrator programs (DAPPs) by mixed gender co-facilitation pairs brings different facilitator perspectives and enables the modeling of egalitarian and respectful male-female relationships. This study analyzed 22 video and audio recordings of community-based DAPP groups featuring male participants, and male and female facilitators. Using thematic analysis, we aimed to understand how facilitators engaged participants and whether the facilitator's gender affected this. We found an asymmetry in the positioning of the facilitators. Group participants challenged both facilitators, but especially the female facilitators. Facilitator strategies toward behavior change included softening direct challenges (female facilitators) and mobilizing the shared category of men (male facilitators). Implications from this study are for reflective practice in facilitator management and supervision specifically focused on gendered power dynamics. Skilled facilitation is key to behavior change and the gendered interplay within groups may be a crucial element in the reduction of interpersonal violence and abuse.

Randomised pilot and feasibility trial of a group intervention for men who perpetrate intimate partner violence against women

BackgroundThere is a need for robust evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of domestic abuse perpetrator programmes in reducing abusive behaviour and improving wellbeing for victim/survivors. While any randomised controlled trial can present difficulties in terms of recruitment and retention, conducting such a trial with domestic abuse perpetrators is particularly challenging. This paper reports the pilot and feasibility trial of a voluntary domestic abuse perpetrator group programme in the United Kingdom.MethodsThis was a pragmatic individually randomised pilot and feasibility trial with an integrated qualitative study in one site (covering three local-authority areas) in England. Male perpetrators were randomised to either the intervention or usual care. The intervention was a 23-week group programme for male perpetrators in heterosexual relationships, with an average of three one-to-one sessions, and one-to-one support for female current- or ex-partners delivered by third sector organisations. There was no active control treatment for men, and partners of control men were signposted towards domestic abuse support services. Data were collected at three-monthly intervals for nine months from male and female participants. The main objectives assessed were recruitment, randomisation, retention, data completeness, fidelity to the intervention model, and acceptability of the trial design.ResultsThis study recruited 36 men (22 randomly allocated to attend the intervention group programme, 14 to usual care), and 15 current- or ex-partners (39% of eligible partners). Retention and completeness of data were high: 67% of male (24/36), and 80% (12/15) of female participants completed the self-reported questionnaire at nine months. A framework for assessing fidelity to the intervention was developed. In interviews, men who completed all or most of the intervention gave positive feedback and reported changes in their own behaviour. Partners were also largely supportive of the trial and were positive about the intervention. Participants who were not allocated to the intervention group reported feeling disappointed but understood the rationale for the trial.ConclusionsIt was feasible to recruit, randomise and retain male perpetrators and female victim/survivors of abuse and collect self-reported outcome data. Participants were engaged in the intervention and reported positive benefits. The trial design was seen as acceptable.Trial registrationISRCTN71797549, submitted 03/08/2017, retrospectively registered 27/05/2022.

Domestic Violence Perpetrators in Jail: A Comprehensive Study

Domestic violence is a pressing issue worldwide, affecting millions of individuals and families. In recent years, researchers have focused on understanding the profiles of perpetrators to devise effective intervention and prevention strategies. The purpose of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of domestic violence perpetration among incarcerated people. This study aims to shed light on the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to offenders' involvement in domestic violence. The study employed qualitative data collection techniques. The key informants consisted of eleven (11) male PDLs incarcerated at Baguio City Jail-Male Dormitory with a history of domestic violence offenses and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The researchers explained each question to the respondents to provide detailed information that led to the success of the research.The study revealed several key characteristics of domestic violence perpetrators in jail. With the results found, most of the demographic profiles of the key informants are all male-dominated and are presumed to be between the ages of 20- 60. The majority of the critical informants confessed that they had committed domestic violence, and almost all of them have committed Physical and Sexual Abuse, with only one Psychological Abuse. Also, most of the critical informants responded with Economic factors as a motivation for their offenses. As perceived by the responses, most informants claimed to have good relationships with their victims before the offense. Still, it resulted in wrong, broken, and no communication after the incident. Most of them felt guilty and were willing to ask for forgiveness for their actions. All the key informants confessed that they undergo rehabilitative programs provided by the jail. This comprehensive profiling study provides valuable insights into the profiles of domestic violence perpetrators in jail. The findings from the data gathered by the researchers highlight the complex factors that contribute to domestic violence and the importance of Rehabilitation, family, and support programs for perpetrators. These findings can inform future interventions and policies aimed at addressing domestic violence and promoting healthier relationships.

스토킹 가해자 교정 및 상담 프로그램의 필요성 연구

As for domestic stalking crimes, stalking began to be recognized as a crime when the 'Special Act on Stalking Punishment' was proposed in 1999. It was pointed out that there was no direct regulation on the definition of stalking behavior and the basis for punishment, and the revision of the 'Misdemeanor Punishment Act' in 2013 laid the groundwork for punishment. As a result, With the establishment of a 'stalking' code in the 112 reporting system in May 2018, stalking crime statistics and information management related to the case began to be systematically carried out. The number of stalking crime reports has increased more than 10 times in the past five years, from 2,767 in 2018 to 29,565 in 2022, the most recent report. Therefore, due to the increasing number of stalking crimes and the limitations of victim protection under the current law, policy intervention is necessary for the perpetrators of stalking crimes. Therefore, this study aims to find out about correction and counseling programs for overseas stalking perpetrators, and to make policy suggestions on the necessity of correction and counseling programs for domestic stalking perpetrators. As a result of the study, in the case of the UK and Japan, it was possible for the police to intervene early against stalking perpetrators, and in particular, several institutions cooperated to operate treatment and counseling programs for perpetrators to verify their effectiveness.

Evaluating the Role of Goal Setting in Reducing Dropout for Men With and Without Substance Use Problems Attending a Court-Mandated Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrator Program

ABSTRACT High dropout rates, particularly among intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators with alcohol and other drug use problems (ADUPs), challenge IPV perpetrator programs’ effectiveness. This study sought to examine factors associated with goal setting, a motivational strategy to promote engagement, in a sample of IPV perpetrators (n = 285), including participants with ADUPs (n = 127) and investigated whether goal setting predicted lower dropout by adjusting for relevant variables. Results revealed goal setting could be an effective strategy to reduce dropout in IPV perpetrators and those with ADUPs and support the need to tailor interventions to participants’ needs to enhance effectiveness.

‘It was a challenge to look at things from a perpetrator perspective’. The problem of holding domestically abusive men to account in multi-agency partnership work

One of the most challenging aspects of multi-agency partnership work aimed at reducing domestic abuse is the problem of holding perpetrators to account. Drawing on findings from our recent mixed methods evaluation of a revised approach to multi-agency policing of domestic abuse, this article explores this problem from the perspective of the multi-agency practitioner stakeholders. We present evidence attesting to the challenge these stakeholders are experiencing as they strive to ensure they play their part in ensuring the perpetrator is accountable for their behaviour. We review what is known about male perpetrators and perpetrator programmes and examine our findings in the context of the wider challenges of engaging perpetrators in behavioural change. We argue that the perpetrator is the elusive stakeholder in multi-agency partnership work to reduce domestic abuse and that the web of accountability requires strengthening if domestically abusive men are to be held to account.

Adapting the ADVANCE group program for digitally-supported delivery to reduce intimate partner violence by men in substance use treatment: a feasibility study.

COVID-19 restrictions created barriers to "business as usual" in healthcare but also opened the door to innovation driven by necessity. This manuscript (1) describes how ADVANCE, an in-person group perpetrator program to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) against female (ex)partners by men in substance use treatment, was adapted for digitally-supported delivery (ADVANCE-D), and (2) explores the feasibility and acceptability of delivering ADVANCE-D to men receiving substance use treatment. Firstly, the person-based approach and mHealth development framework were used to iteratively adapt ADVANCE for digitally-supported delivery including conceptualization, formative research, and pre-testing. Then, a non-randomized feasibility study was conducted to assess male participants' eligibility, recruitment, and attendance rates and uptake of support offered to their (ex)partners. Exploratory analyses on reductions in IPV perpetration (assessed using the Abusive Behavior Inventory; ABI) and victimization (using the revised ABI; ABI-R) at the end of the program were performed. Longitudinal qualitative interviews with participants, their (ex)partners, and staff provided an understanding of the program's implementation, acceptability, and outcomes. The adapted ADVANCE-D program includes one goal-setting session, seven online groups, 12 self-directed website sessions, and 12 coaching calls. ADVANCE-D includes enhanced risk management and support for (ex)partners. Forty-five participants who had perpetrated IPV in the past 12 months were recruited, forty of whom were offered ADVANCE-D, attending 11.4 (SD 9.1) sessions on average. Twenty-one (ex)partners were recruited, 13 of whom accepted specialist support. Reductions in some IPV perpetration and victimization outcome measures were reported by the 25 participants and 11 (ex)partners interviewed pre and post-program, respectively. Twenty-two participants, 11 (ex)partners, 12 facilitators, and 7 integrated support service workers were interviewed at least once about their experiences of participation. Overall, the program content was well-received. Some participants and facilitators believed digital sessions offered increased accessibility. The digitally-supported delivery of ADVANCE-D was feasible and acceptable. Remote delivery has applicability post-pandemic, providing greater flexibility and access. Given the small sample size and study design, we do not know if reductions in IPV were due to ADVANCE-D, time, participant factors, or chance. More research is needed before conclusions can be made about the efficacy of ADVANCE-D.

Ticking the boxes: fathers’ performativity, change and intimate partner violence

ABSTRACT Increasingly, perpetrator programmes that specialize in working with fathers who have been violent towards their partners aim both to improve parenting skills and to challenge and change men’s abusive behaviour. The context of the cultural discourses around fatherhood against which programmes are delivered have however received little recognition. We contribute to this conversation by exploring how eight fathers in Iceland approach fatherhood in their process of changing violent behaviour. Inspired by feminist post structural theories, the analysis shows that fatherhood could be performative at times. Fathers tried to perform fatherhood in line with dominant discourses of gender equal and involved fatherhood to assert their identities as good and respectable men and avoid shame. However, this performance did not necessarily engage with or show understanding of their children’s perspectives. When these fathers did engage in uncomfortable conversations with their children it had potential to move them towards change through critical reflections on their violent behaviour and ongoing power differences. This paper provides insights into possibilities of and obstacles to change for violent fathers that may prove useful for perpetrator programmes that intersect work on men‘s intimate partner violence with addressing their fathering skills and capacity.

Measuring the Outcome of Perpetrator Programmes through a Contextualised and Victim-Centred Approach: The Impact Project

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health and widespread problem, and perpetrator programmes are in a unique position to prevent it. Research on the outcomes of perpetrator programmes has advanced in recent years, but still some challenges remain. These challenges include the absence of measures related to survivor safety and wellbeing as well as the impact on the victim. Additionally, other contextual measures, such as motivation to change or taking responsibility, are typically not included in outcome studies. The Impact Outcome Monitoring Toolkit was developed to help overcome these challenges. The participants were 444 men enrolled in a perpetrator programme and their (ex-)partners (n = 272). The results showed that all types of violence were reduced significantly in terms of both frequency and presence, as reported by both the men enrolled in the programme and their (ex-)partners. The impact of violence had been reduced for (ex-)partners, but some still suffered impacts and felt afraid. The results on the impact of violence on children and improved parenting were quite concerning. The Impact Toolkit makes it possible to measure the outcomes of perpetrator programmes in a contextualised manner and has shown promising results, supporting the inclusion of survivor-centric outcome measures.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Inviting Men to a Voluntary-Based Domestic Violence Intervention.

This study examines the factors motivating domestic violence perpetrators to participate in a voluntary-based intervention program. The experiences and determining factors around men's positive and negative responses to this invitation were examined through semi-structured interviews with professionals, observations, and reflexive notes during the first meeting with 29 men. Two major themes emerged from the thematic analysis: the factors making men more likely to attend the first meeting or resisting the group intervention. These findings can help professionals recognize the challenges of inviting perpetrators to interventions, especially in countries with insufficient laws for mandated domestic violence perpetrator programs. The paper discusses the importance during the first meeting of building rapport and trust and recognizing complex family histories to encourage voluntary attendance and intervention engagement.

LGBTQ + community perceptions of domestic abuse, responsivity and inclusion within the criminal justice system

Whilst research on the LGBTQ + community, Domestic Abuse (DA) and the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is expanding, the LGBTQ + community have often been hidden from societal discourses within the CJS and overlooked in the wider narrative of DA. This study was guided by a queer theoretical framework, using semi-structured interview data from 10 LGBQ + participants in the UK to explore the voices of this community, gaining insight into their perceptions of domestic abuse, and how inclusive and responsive the CJS are currently in their approaches to the LGBTQ + community and LGBTQ + DA. An experiential thematic analysis of the data identified four themes including ‘Unique forms of abuse’, ‘LGBTQ + Domestic Abuse is hidden and unrecognizable’, ‘Double Discrimination…our identities, our experiences’ and ‘LGBTQ + Awareness and Domestic Abuse…Past, Present and Future.’ LGBQ + participants discussed the specific multi-layered complexities attached to LGBTQ + DA and described the current narrative of LGBTQ + DA as invisible and discriminatory. Participants offered insights related to CJS approaches of LGBTQ + DA, such as implementing specialist LGBTQ + DA training and creating visible awareness of LGBTQ + DA. In addition, participants offered suggestions of content to LGBTQ + DA Perpetrator Programmes. Together, these perceptions and related suggestions propose future directions of inclusive and responsive practice within the CJS for LGBTQ + victims/perpetrators of domestic abuse.

The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group domestic abuse perpetrator programme: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIn contrast to evidence for interventions supporting victim/survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), the effectiveness of perpetrator programmes for reduction of abuse is uncertain. This study aims to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a perpetrator programme for men.MethodsPragmatic two-group individually randomised controlled trial (RCT) with embedded process and economic evaluation. Five centres in southwest England and South Wales aim to recruit 316 (reduced from original target of 366) male domestic abuse perpetrators. These will be randomised 2:1 to a community-based domestic abuse perpetrator programme (DAPP) or usual care comparator with 12-month follow-up. Female partners/ex-partners will be invited to join the study.The intervention for men comprises 23 weekly sessions of a group programme delivered in voluntary sector domestic abuse services. The intervention for female partners/ex-partners is one-to-one support from a safety worker. Men allocated to usual care receive no intervention; however, they are free to access other services. Their partners/ex-partners will be signposted to support services.Data is collected at baseline, and 4, 8 and 12 months’ follow-up. The primary outcome is men’s self-reported abusive behaviour measured by the Abusive Behaviour Inventory (ABI-29) at 12 months. Secondary measures include physical and mental health status and resource use alongside the abuse measure ABI (ABI-R) for partners/ex-partners and criminal justice contact for men.A mixed methods process evaluation and qualitative study will explore mechanisms of effectiveness, judge fidelity to the intervention model using interviews and group observations.The economic evaluation, over a 1-year time horizon from three perspectives (health and social care, public sector and society), will employ a cost-consequences framework reporting costs alongside economic outcomes (Quality-Adjusted Life Years derived from EQ-5D-5L, SF-12 and CHU-9D, and ICECAP-A) as well as the primary and other secondary outcomes.DiscussionThis trial will provide evidence of the (cost)effectiveness of a DAPP. The embedded process evaluation will further insights in the experiences and contexts of participants and their journey through a perpetrator programme, and the study will seek to address the omission in other studies of economic evaluations.Trial registrationISRCTN15804282, April 1, 2019