The influence of batterer intervention programs on male perpetrators of intimate partner violence: Reports of change in beliefs and behaviors

Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators’ Perceptions of the Positives and Negatives of Peer Interactions in Group Batterer Intervention Programs

“…Others have explored the change process and/or perpetrators' accounts of change, or other skills, lessons, or insights gained from BIPs (Boira et al, 2013;Chovanec, 2012;Gondolf & Hanneken, 1987;Gray et al, 2014;Holtrop et al, 2017;L. Kelly & Westmarland, 2015;Pandya, 2009;Pandya & Gingerich, 2002;Parra-Cardona et al, 2013;Morrison et al, 2018;Rosenberg, 2003;Scott & Wolfe, 2000;Shamai & Buchbinder, 2010;Sheehan, Thakor, & Stewart, 2012;Silvergleid & Mankowski, 2006).…”

Perspectives on Motivation and Change in an Intervention for Men Who Use Substances and Perpetrate Intimate Partner Abuse: Findings From a Qualitative Evaluation of the Advance Intervention

“…Men report that perpetrator programs have led to them becoming more aware of their own cognitive distortion and core beliefs (McGinn et al, 2020;Parra-Cardona et al, 2013), although it is unclear how far being made aware of these beliefs and distortions led to change. Other programs have drawn on emotional dysregulation approaches and have reportedly led men to better recognize triggers and warning signs for perpetration (e.g., through bodily sensations) and emotions such as anger (Morrison et al, 2018). Men report that programs have helped them understand influences on and root causes of emotional dysregulation such as entrenched social norms and social learning (e.g., learning from their fathers that "boys do not cry"; Brown, 2004;Holtrop et al, 2017).…”

“…For example, activities that explore with men the different types of IPA, such as coercive control, financial abuse, and verbal abuse have reportedly led men to start recognizing their own behaviors as abusive (Holtrop et al, 2017;Morrison et al, 2018;Ormston et al, 2016;Scott & Wolfe, 2000;Scott & Wolfe, 2003). Other activities include those that improve communication and listening skills (Morrison et al, 2018;Smith, 2011), develop empathy, for example, through perspective-taking, and promote self-efficacy (as opposed to lack of control) and assertiveness (as opposed to aggression or passiveness; Scott & Wolfe, 2000;Scott & Wolfe, 2003;Smith, 2011). Men report that these aspects of programs help them to acquire a range of tools for managing intense emotions and conflict in healthier ways (Holtrop et al, 2017;Morrison et al, 2018;Ormston et al, 2016).…”

“…Other activities include those that improve communication and listening skills (Morrison et al, 2018;Smith, 2011), develop empathy, for example, through perspective-taking, and promote self-efficacy (as opposed to lack of control) and assertiveness (as opposed to aggression or passiveness; Scott & Wolfe, 2000;Scott & Wolfe, 2003;Smith, 2011). Men report that these aspects of programs help them to acquire a range of tools for managing intense emotions and conflict in healthier ways (Holtrop et al, 2017;Morrison et al, 2018;Ormston et al, 2016). Limited equivalent research exists about substance use interventions, although Brownlee et al (2017) found that perceptions of activities as childish, and lack of facilitator support with tasks, diminished treatment engagement.…”

“…A caveat with all the IPA studies reviewed is that they do not measure any longer-term change and rely on men's reports of change. Programs have aimed for men to "admit" to their perpetration, take responsibility for their abusive behavior (Holtrop et al, 2017;Morrison et al, 2018;Scott & Wolfe, 2000), and be accountable to themselves and to others in the group (Pandya & Gingerich, 2002). Holtrop et al (2017) found these changes were the most challenging parts of their intervention, and by its end, many participants were only just beginning to grapple with taking responsibility.…”