Examining Partnership Approaches for Engaging Fathers to Address Domestic Violence

Abstract

Little is known about partnerships fatherhood programs establish to engage fathers in addressing domestic violence (DV). The study aimed to (a) describe partnership activities between fatherhood programs and organizations that address DV, (b) highlight strategies for productive partnerships, and (c) identify areas in need of improvement for addressing DV. This study discusses findings from qualitative interviews with 27 individuals from 17 fatherhood and DV organizations across the United States including the variety of partnership activities used to prevent and address DV (e.g., conducting trainings or facilitating referrals); strategies for creating productive partnerships; and partnership areas that need further attention.

Men Working with Men in Intensive Family Services: Reflections on Violence, Trauma Lifeworlds, and Organic Interventions

“…Orthodox and reductive criminal justice approaches of ensuring safety of women and children by separating the perpetrator is not always a sustainable reality for many families (Mandel & Wright, 2019; Parekh et al., 2021; Scott et al., 2021). Indeed, research shows most fathers who use IPV remain living with, or have regular contact with, their children (Gatfield et al., 2022; Scott et al., 2021; Stover, 2013; Stover & Morgos, 2013).…”

“…Father‐inclusive family intervention models have been shown to have a positive and protective effect for children and family functioning, with increased beneficial child wellbeing outcomes for both boys and girls. (Laracuente, 2017; Panter‐Brick et al., 2014; Parekh et al., 2021; Pruett et al., 2019; Stover, 2013; Stover & Morgos, 2013). Indeed, the evidence around improved ‘health, social success and academic achievements is now robust and compelling’ (Fletcher et al., 2014, p. 6).…”

“…Many fathers who use IPV have experienced their own childhood trauma. Father‐inclusive interventions provide an opportunity to look at their experiences of childhood and fatherhood and the impact of trauma and shame while offering wraparound supports to assist with parenting, conflict resolution, communication, domestic violence, substance abuse, employment, and financial training (Andrews et al., 2018; Carlson & Casey, 2021; Fletcher et al., 2014; Parekh et al., 2021; Stover, 2013; Stover & Morgos, 2013).…”

“…The strong desire to be a good father can be supported by a strengths‐based intervention model to build on skills and support networks (Gatfield et al., 2022; Mandel & Wright, 2019). Moreover, focusing on the wellbeing of the children and co‐parenting has been shown to have better outcomes for families and fathers who use IPV than individual men's behaviour intervention programs, or couple's therapy (Carlson & Casey, 2021; Parekh et al., 2021; Stover, 2013; Stover & Morgos, 2013).…”

“…Many fathers report that support from male peers and role models is desired, but rare (Carlson & Casey, 2021; Pfitzner et al., 2020). This limited male‐to‐male support represents a disjuncture between needs and support received, and ties into the importance of understanding fathers' help‐seeking behaviours (negative past experiences, stigma, beliefs about masculinity) (Berger et al., 2013; Carlson & Casey, 2021; Ewart‐Boyle et al., 2015; Fletcher et al., 2014; Parekh et al., 2021). Yates (2019) suggests a multi‐disciplinary approach, incorporating AOD and DFV, ‘paying attention to the gendered ways the abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects the perpetration and experience of DFV’ (p. 270).…”