An Ecological Examination of Factors Influencing Men’s Engagement in Intimate Partner Violence Groups

Abstract

This article examines the findings of an ecological analysis of the factors influencing men's engagement in intimate partner violence (IPV) groups. Individual interviews and two focus groups were conducted with men who participated in group programs in two agencies in Canada. Our qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups suggested that both individual and program-related factors were determinants in the men's engagement. These findings drew our attention to the influence of certain factors outside of the group therapy, in particular organizational practices. Implications for practice are explored, in particular the role of time in the intervention, and implications for research and limitations are discussed.

The Power of Learning and Men’s Stories in Engaging Abusive Men in the Change Process: Qualitative Study Across Programs

“…In fact, three of four men who dropped out identified the theme "hearing other men's stories as motivation to change." This suggests dropouts may experience early treatment similar to completers but that environmental factors, that is, lack of outside supports, limit the impact of engagement in treatment for them as Roy et al (2013) suggested. To address this issue facilitators could routinely check for environmental challenges, that is, problems with transportation, housing, that could then be problem solved in the group.…”

“…Brownlee and Chlebovec (2004) found a similar theme with men who had completed treatment. Roy et al (2013) identified personal motivation prompted by the recognition of a problem and wanting to improve their lives as a key factor in engagement in domestic abuse treatment. Contrino et al (2007) link increase engagement through active learning of skills with greater recall of program curriculum at treatment completion.…”

“…Qualitative studies have also examined engagement components such as alliances between client and facilitator and client contributions in therapy (Brownlee & Chlebovec, 2004;Pandya & Gingerich, 2002;Scott & Wolfe, 2000). Examinations of therapeutic alliance reveal that, men report challenging abusive behavior and support from facilitators were crucial in helping them change (Roy, Chateauvert, & Richard, 2013;Silvergleid & Mankowski, 2006). Increased client contributions in group, such as self-disclosure and active learning of violence avoidance skills, are also reported by men (Pandya & Gingerich, 2002;Scott & Wolfe, 2000).…”

Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programs: A Proposal for Evidence-Based Standards in the United States

“…Participants in the Roy et al study stated that facilitator attitudes, humanism, professionalism, and engagement in nondirective methods were most successful. Especially powerful were group leaders working as facilitators rather than experts (Roy et al, 2013). Of note is leaders serving as facilitator versus authority figures may more easily achieve successful recidivism reduction outcomes.…”

“…Kennealy et al (2012) posit that quality relationships reduce the risk of recidivism. Roy, Châteauvert, and Richard (2013) indicate that men who participate in IPV treatment emphasize the importance of their relationships with the groups' facilitators. Participants in the Roy et al study stated that facilitator attitudes, humanism, professionalism, and engagement in nondirective methods were most successful.…”