Accounting for intimate partner violence perpetration. A cross‐cultural comparison of English and Brazilian male substance users' explanations

Abstract

Introduction and AimsThis paper describes how substance use features in the accounts of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators in treatment in England and Brazil. The aim of the research was to better understand cross cultural constructions of IPV perpetration amongst men in treatment for substance use.Design and MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 men in community substance use treatment in Sao Paolo, Brazil and London and the South East of England who had reported IPV perpetration in a questionnaire survey. A thematic, narrative analysis was carried out of men's explanations for IPV perpetration.FindingsThree types of narratives were distinguished: (i) disputes, centred on substance use, that escalate to IPV perpetration; (ii) IPV perpetration that is explained by uncharacteristic loss of control, as a result of intoxication; and (iii) IPV perpetration provoked by a perceived betrayal, in which substance use is incidental. In all types of accounts hegemonic principles of male and female roles and behaviour provided a context for and make IPV perpetration explicable.Discussion and ConclusionsSubstance use and IPV are culturally constructed and contextually defined. Understanding the meaning‐making of substance using IPV perpetrators has implications for the treatment of both substance abuse and IPV. [Radcliffe P, d'Oliveira AFPL, Lea S, dos Santos Figueiredo W, Gilchrist G. Accounting for intimate partner violence perpetration. A cross‐cultural comparison of English and Brazilian male substance users' explanations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:64–71]

The prevalence and factors associated with ever perpetrating intimate partner violence by men receiving substance use treatment in Brazil and England: A cross‐cultural comparison

“…Similar to other studies , lifetime IPV victimisation reported by participants was also high. This may be because of participants' partners responding in self‐defence, conflicts around substance use or it may also be influenced by reporting bias.…”

Tailored integrated interventions for intimate partner violence and substance use are urgently needed

“…In a study of men in treatment for substance use in England and Brazil, Radcliffe et al . found three types of narratives leading to IPV: (i) disputes centred on substance use; (ii) uncharacteristic loss of control as a result of alcohol; and (iii) perceived betrayal as a trigger. In narratives from South Africa, Watt et al .…”

“…While the quantitative data from studies by Gilchrist et al [17] and Watt et al [21] suggested gender symmetry in the rates of IPV victimisation and perpetration experienced, their qualitative data provide a more nuanced contextual understanding, with instances of victimisation of women by male partners characterised as particularly frequent and intense. In a study of men in treatment for substance use in England and Brazil, Radcliffe et al [23] found three types of narratives leading to IPV: (i) disputes centred on substance use; (ii) uncharacteristic loss of control as a result of alcohol; and (iii) perceived betrayal as a trigger. In narratives from South Africa, Watt et al [21] found that IPV was explained by male aggression while using methamphetamine, norms around sex trading and genderbased attitudes endorsing violence against women.…”

Consumption of Alcohol and Tobacco by Women and the Occurrence of Violence by Intimate Partner

“…Although the scientific literature evidences the existence of an association between psychoactive substance use and intimate partner violence against women, the debates about the consumption of these substances by women who are violated are still incipient, since a large part of the studies an intimate male partner and one who practices violent acts. [35][36] In addition, the possible underreporting of intimate partner violence against women in different health services, as well as the lack of verification of their main associated factors, makes it feasible to conduct research that explores such problems in the community context, which favors the detection of violent acts and possible risk factors pertinent to the daily life of women.…”