(En)gendering change: Understanding the gendered dynamics of domestic abuse perpetrator programmes

Abstract

Drawing on extensive participant observation and interviews, this article considers the interactive dynamics of two group-based, probation domestic abuse perpetrator programmes. Specifically, the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme and the Building Better Relationships Programme. Perpetrator groups are understood as involving collective emotions and understandings, which are continuously constructed and reconstructed through interactions. These interactions are highly gendered, reflecting men’s desires to present acceptable masculine identities and narratives, which they perceive as being threatened by their presence on a perpetrator programme. This article considers how gendered interactions take place within perpetrator groups, and calls for consideration of how they can support or undermine programme efficacy, and narratives of desistance.

Keywords

Domestic abuse effective practice group dynamics perpetrators probation

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