Citation

Bellini R, Westmarland N. J. Aggress. Confl. Peace Res. 2023; 15(3): 205-215.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/JACPR-05-2022-0716

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE This study explores responses by domestic violence perpetrator programme (DVPP) providers of three Western countries (UK, USA and Australia) to the COVID-19 pandemic and population movement control measures on their practice. The purpose of this paper was to offer an evidence base for changes to programme and intervention delivery around domestic violence to sustain integrity of safe, effective working practices with perpetrators, survivors and staff.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Based on 36 semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted from July to September 2020, the authors mapped the experiences of changes in service with frontline staff, managers and sector-wide representatives.

FINDINGS The findings focus on how providers of DVPPs adapted to the increase in referrals and workload that had a positive impact on service delivery innovation but an adverse impact on staff wellbeing. Digital services were reported to be adopted into mainstream approaches but introduced new barriers to service access and group dynamics. Integrated safety support for survivors, if not adequately connected to programmes pre-pandemic, risked being disconnected from DVPP that may undermine positive programme outcomes.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE The paper provides a documentation of changes in DVPPs, and a cross-comparison of services across three Western countries during the first wave of COVID-19. The work offers implications of the development of digital modes of service delivery for DVPPs and highlights the need for focus on resource management and integration of safety services for survivors in DVPP services.

Language: en

Keywords

Digital service delivery; Domestic violence perpetrator programmes; Global pandemic; Intimate partner violence; Perpetrators of domestic violence; Practitioner perspectives