This article outlines the importance of exploring spirituality in working with Punjabi Sikh men who have substance abuse issues and have committed violence towards their spouse. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted with South Asian front-line workers that included police officers, probation officers, counselors, social workers, child protection workers and victim service workers. The audio-taped data were transcribed and analyzed by identification of themes and subthemes. Participant comments around religion and the role it can play in prevention and intervention are highlighted. Front-line social service practitioners who work with Punjabi Sikh men need to consider the role the men's religious beliefs can play in substance abuse and intimate partner violence interventions.

This article outlines effective intervention strategies for probation officers working with South Asian men in British Columbia, Canada, who have assaulted their partners. It is part of a larger qualitative research study aimed at determining effective intervention strategies for frontline personnel that work with South Asian men, as well as deter- mining effective prevention strategies aimed at policy makers and members of South Asian communities. Seventeen in-depth interviews were conducted with South Asian frontline workers that included police officers, probation officers, counsellors, child protection workers and victim service workers. The audio-taped data was transcribed and analysed by identification of themes and subthemes. Probation officers need to respect their clients’ cultural values while still holding these men accountable for their behaviour. Interventions that address patriarchal attitudes, the stressors arising out of immigration/acculturation, influence of extended family, and substance abuse were identified as being key factors in changing behaviour.Peer reviewedculture; domestic violence; immigration; intimate partner violence; South Asia; substance abus