Fathers’ experiences of being in change during pregnancy and early parenthood in a context of intimate partner violence

Abstract

ObjectiveIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a large public health problem with far-reaching consequences for those involved. The aim of this study was to explore fathers’ experiences of change during pregnancy and early parenthood in the context of IPV.MethodsThe methodological approach in this interview study was hermeneutics, based on a lifeworld perspective. Ten men, who had subjected their partners to violence during the childbearing period, and had become fathers within the previous 6 years, participated.ResultsThe analysis revealed four themes: beginning to acknowledge that you are inflicting violence, receiving confirmation that you are more than just a perpetrator of violence, becoming aware of the child, and the desire to receive support in the process of learning how to become a father. Levinas’ concept “the face of the other” is used to interpret the findings.ConclusionThis study contributes to a more nuanced and expanded picture of IPV. It shows that men who inflict violence want to be and learn how to be fathers. We need more knowledge about how to stop violent acts and support these men in the process of fatherhood.

Towards understanding the Nordic paradox: A review of qualitative interview studies on intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in Sweden

“…The impact of IPVAW on the health (Örmon, Torstensson Levander, Sunnqvist, & Bahtsevani, ; Scheffer Lindgren & Renck, ), economy (Eriksson & Ulmestig, ; Ulmestig & Eriksson, ), and working life (Alsaker et al, ) of victims has been analyzed. Experiences and narratives of male IPV perpetrators (Boethius, ; Edin & Nilsson, ; Gottzén, ; Gottzén, ; Gottzén, , , ; Håland, Lundgren, Lidén, & Eri, ; Hydén, , , 1995; Jansson, ; Lennéer‐Axelson, [1989]; Lundgren, ) and victims (Hellgren, Andersson, & Burcar Alm, ; Nybergh, Enander, & Krantz, ; Simmons, Brüggemann, & Swahnberg, ) have also been studied, as has the importance of social networks for responses to IPVAW (Hydén, ; Hydén, ; Sandberg, ).…”

“…Forming a pattern of contextualization (Gottzén, 2013b;Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013), men's accounts of IPVAW point towards particular circumstances including psychological problems, unemployment, difficult childhoods (Boethius, 2015; Edin & Nilsson, 2014;Håland et al, 2016), drugs, alcohol (Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012) neurochemistry (Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012), or the (individual) woman (Andersson & Lundberg, 2000;Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012;Håland et al, 2016;. Women have been blamed for being provocative (Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Håland et al, 2016), nagging or pushy (Edin & Nilsson, 2014), bad wives (Andersson & Lundberg, 2000), or using violence themselves (Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013). The latter links to a pattern of redefining violence into brawls or mutual quarrelling (Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012;Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Håland et al, 2016), signaling reciprocity, and neutralizing the severity of the violence (Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Hydén, 1994).…”

“…Women have been blamed for being provocative (Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Håland et al, 2016), nagging or pushy (Edin & Nilsson, 2014), bad wives (Andersson & Lundberg, 2000), or using violence themselves (Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013). The latter links to a pattern of redefining violence into brawls or mutual quarrelling (Boethius, 2015;Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012;Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Håland et al, 2016), signaling reciprocity, and neutralizing the severity of the violence (Gottzén & Korkmaz, 2013;Hydén, 1994).…”

“…Alongside mentioned patterns of contextualization, redefinition of violence, and victim-blaming, strong tendencies are found among violent men, even after prosecution or help-seeking, to disidentify with IPVAW perpetration (Boethius, 2015; Edin & Nilsson, 2014;Gottzén, 2013bGottzén, , 2016Gottzén & Jonsson, 2012;Håland et al, 2016;Hydén, 1992). Professionals have stated that only 25-30% of their male clients admitted to being inclined toward violence, despite having voluntarily entered IPVAW programs (Edin et al, 2009).…”

The Role of the Physician When a Patient Discloses Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Literature Review

“…Discussing the impact of IPV on any children may be particularly important in influencing a male perpetrator's behavior, as recent studies indicate that men do not want their children to be in fear or to be impacted because of witnessing IPV. [41][42][43][44] Addressing the Safety of the Victim and Mandating Reporting Physicians must be aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities to warn victims of violence (duty to warn) when there is a clear and present danger. 30,31,35,36,38,39 In addition, physicians need to know the state mandatory reporting laws that apply, especially if there is concern about lethality.…”