Turning Points for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Understanding why and how perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) change their behavior is an important goal for both policy development and clinical practice. In this study, the authors investigated the concept of "turning points" for perpetrators of IPV by conducting a systematic review of qualitative studies that investigated the factors, situations, and attitudes that facilitated perpetrators' decisions to change their abusive behavior. Two literature databases were searched and six studies were found that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Most included participants from batterer intervention programs (BIPs). The data indicate that community, group, and individual processes all contribute to perpetrators' turning points and behavioral change. These include identifying key incidents that precede change, taking responsibility for past behavior, learning new skills, and developing relationships within and outside of the BIP. By using a qualitative systematic review, the authors were able to generate a more complete understanding of the catalysts for and process of change in these individuals. Further research, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, will be helpful in the modification of existing BIPs and the development of new interventions to reduce IPV.

A Life without Violence? Experience of Treatment for Perpetrators of Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships in a Small Nordic Welfare Society

“…The perpetrators seemed to have needed a push from the outside in order to realize that they were being violent and that they needed to do something about it, something that really moved them. This is similar to the results of Sheehan et al (2012).…”

“…But it can be argued, that it is important for all perpetrators to feel motivation to enter treatment. Sheehan, Thakor and Stewart (2012) concluded after reviewing several studies, that the motive for change, was usually related to a turning point following a special event or situations.…”

Implementation of an acceptance and commitment therapy skills group with incarcerated domestic violence offenders

“…In an effort to eradicate IPV, women's activists and public health agencies began working together in the 1970s to develop shelters and promote policy reform (Sheehan, Sumaiya, & Stewart, 2012). Legislation mandating strict arrest policies was put into place in order to protect victims and their children.…”

Evaluation of European Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes: Toward a Model for Designing and Reporting Evaluations Related to Perpetrator Treatment Interventions

“…Barz et al 2006). Without data on motivation or stage of change it is difficult to understand these contradictions (Hester et al, 2006;Sheehan, Thakor and Stewart, 2013).…”