Developing content to promote desistance in men who have committed intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships

Abstract

This article provides an overview of service development processes used to design a therapeutic approach that promotes desistance amongst men who have committed acts of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against their male partner or ex-partner. The article aims to explore how inclusive therapeutic service provision can be developed using the best available evidence, stakeholder consultation, co-production and technology. It does so by presenting a two-part study that draws upon a review of inclusive IPV theory alongside responses to a consultation designed to canvas stakeholder opinions (n = 14) of a proposed IPV service. It also provides a case study (n = 1) of the co-production of digital media with someone from the target group for that service. Implications for future service design for marginalised groups in the Criminal Justice System and provisions for people who have committed IPV are discussed. This article represents the views of the authors’ and not those of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Collaborative Inquiry with Men Who Use Intimate Partner Violence: Service User Perspectives on Expertise in Domestic Violence Services for Men

“…There have been unsuccessful attempts to engage heterosexual men who use IPV in conversations about co-production (McCarry et al, 2018). In relation to men who use violence in same-sex relationships, research has suggested co-production in developing desistance resources can lead to positive outcomes for participants including self-reflection about psychosocial development and behaviours in relationships (Morris et al, 2019).…”

Digital justice: A rapid evidence assessment of the use of mobile technology for offender behavioural change

“…Although not strictly a mobile app, Morris et al (2019Morris et al ( , 2021 reported on work around the use of digitally-enabled desistance-focussed conversations. Specifically, they described the development of a toolkit called 'Spectrum', aimed at men who have committed intimate partner violence offences.…”

Towards a desistance-focused approach to probation supervision for people who have committed Intimate Partner Violence: A digital toolkit pilot study

“…Hughes (2017) documented the move away from this approach. In contrast to the deficit model, Morris et al (2019) (in line with the mainstream BBR), outlined a gender-inclusive, inter-agency approach to promoting desistance in people on probation with IPV convictions. This involved the application of the General Aggression Model (Anderson and Bushman, 2002) to: Help participants understand the interplay between personal attributes, situational factors and internal states when interacting with their partners; Emphasise that cognitive, emotional and behavioural precursors to IPV may also be symptomatic of the participant’s learning history.…”

“…Based on this model, Morris et al (2019) described the development of a RAR toolkit intervention (entitled Spectrum ) for men who have committed IPV offences against either a male or female partner. The toolkit was co-produced with service users and in collaboration with a private probation provider.…”