Integrated approaches to domestic violence? An exploration of the role of the victim and Women’s Safety Work in cognitive-behavioural programmes

Abstract

This article examines the role of the victim and, more specifically, the nature of Women’s Safety Work within cognitive-behavioural programmes designed to address the attitudes and behaviour of men with convictions for violence against their partners. It is an increasingly important part of probation practice. The article draws on an empirical study conducted in 10 probation areas across England and Wales. It identifies, and critically examines, the factors which shape working with victims of domestic violence. These include the challenge of engaging partners and ex-partners with Women’s Safety Work; the ‘contested’ nature of work with women; and facets of risk management. This article is written with a practitioner focus in mind and implications for practice are discussed.

The partner link worker: A vital but undervalued service for women who have been subjected to or at risk of domestic abuse

“…Similar themes were also evident in a larger scale study investigating the WSW role in cognitive behavioural programmes (Bullock, 2014). The author concluded that the safety of women should be at the ‘very heart of IDAP’ (Bullock, 2014:41). However, in practice the probation service encounters a myriad of challenges implementing this principle.…”

“…Participants reflected on working flexibly, building rapport, empowering women and providing a service that both supports and protects. As an earlier study observed, domestic abuse services work with ‘some very vulnerable and exposed individuals’ (Bullock, 2014: 35). As with our participants, Madoc-Jones & Roscoe (2010) recognised the importance of the professional relationship with the WSW for effectively supporting women of domestic abuse.…”

“…The 1990 Victims' Charter recognised the importance of integrating work with people who have been subjected to crime into the criminal justice system (Crawford & Enterkin, 2001). Work with people who have been subjected to crime has evolved and changed over time (Williams & Goodman, 2007) with attempts to increase their participation within the criminal justice system (Cunningham, 2003; Bullock, 2014). Active participation can help the individual who has been subjected to crime as well as increase the awareness of the person who committed the offence (Spalek, 2003).…”

“…PLWs contribute to promoting women's safety and identifying risk through safety planning, spousal assault risk assessment (SARA) and domestic abuse, stalking and honour-based violence assessment tool (DASH). Safety measures equip women with the autonomy, knowledge and tools to keep themselves and their children safe (Eadie & Knight, 2002; Madoc-Jones & Roscoe, 2010; Bullock, 2014), for example, signposting women to Clare's Law. PLWs advocated the two functions of Clare's Law.…”

Domestic abuse prevention after Raoul Moat

“…In Britain’s probation services, few of these conditions were being widely met even before the cuts announced in May 2010. As Bullock et al (2010: i–ii) surmise: The study has shown that the women’s safety worker can be somewhat marginalised, and information not routinely shared … Delivering the group work elements of the programmes is challenging though and the manuals cannot guide the tutors in all the scenarios they may face … [E]valuation measures were often not completed and those that were completed may not have been given due attention.…”