Working with Violent Men: From Resistance to Change Talk in Probation Domestic Abuse Programmes

Working with Violent Men provides valuable insights into working with men who have been violent towards intimate partners,based on research and personal experience. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspectives and dynamics of these groups,and how facilitators can navigate hostility and engage men in change. The book offers valuable information for students,academics,researchers,and policymakers interested in domestic violence,gender,probation,and effective communication within groups.

Format: Hardback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Working with Violent Men delves into the complex dynamics of engaging with men who have perpetrated violence against intimate partners. With a focus on bridging knowledge gaps and enhancing understanding within social and criminal justice domains,this monograph aims to make a significant contribution to this critical area.

The foundation of the book lies in extensive research conducted through participant observation at domestic abuse groups. This approach allowed for direct observation of behaviors, interactions, and emotional responses, including gestures and nonverbal cues. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with group facilitators and participants provided valuable insights into the experiences and perspectives of these men.

The author, drawing upon their extensive experience working with domestically abusive men as a probation officer and facilitator of domestic abuse programs, argues that groups operate within a micro social order characterized by rules and rituals. These constructs are continuously shaped and negotiated by participants, often in response to prevailing notions about masculinity. Within these groups, gendered roles are performed and enacted, shaping the dynamics and interactions within the group.

Understanding the perspectives of these men, as well as the interplay of interpersonal rules, rituals, and dynamics, is crucial for facilitators in navigating the often-hostile behavior exhibited by these individuals. By recognizing and addressing these considerations, facilitators can engage men in a transformative process of change.

Attention to these factors has profound implications for the effectiveness of group-based interventions in reducing violence against intimate partners. Furthermore, it sheds light on contemporary understandings of gender, masculinity, identity, and effective communication within group settings.

This book is of immense value to undergraduate and postgraduate students with interests in domestic violence, gender, probation, and the intricacies of social interactions. It also serves as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and policymakers seeking to explore and develop approaches to working with domestic abuse perpetrators. By examining the complexities of working with violent men, this book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in addressing this pressing social issue.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032151663