The Experiences of Men Who Attended Domestic Violence Treatment Programs and Made Changes to End Violence in Their Intimate Relationships

Abstract

The present study sought to gain an understanding of the experiences of men who have been violent in their intimate relationships, attended domestic violence treatment programs, and successfully made changes toward ending their violent behaviour. This project adds to the existing literature on intimate partner violence (IPV) and further informs practice in the area of treatment and support for men who perpetrate IPV. The study used phenomenological research methodology. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with four participants. Following completion of the interviews, all statements made by participants during the interviews were coded into fifteen themes, and these fifteen themes were divided into three categories: men’s experiences before entering Domestic Abuse/Violence Treatment Programs (DAVTPs), experiences attending DAVTPs, and experiences after attending DAVTPs. As well as the fifteen central themes, there were also seventeen subthemes, which further describe the experiences of the participants and the context of those experiences. In terms of their experiences with violence before entering DAVTPs, the participants talked about the violence that had existed in their relationships, relationships with their children, their families of origin, and masculinity. When discussing their experiences in treatment programs, men spoke about engaging initially, accepting responsibility, bonds with other participants and facilitators, and things that they learned. In describing their lives after completing the programs, the participants discussed improved relationships, improved self-esteem, healthy masculinity, and the continued work that they are engaging in. Overall, participants were initially motivated to change because of relationships and of the effect that their violence had on their family, as well as negative self-esteem stemming from their violence, more so than justice system repercussions. For the participants, making change began with accepting responsibility for their violence, as well as responsibility for making changes in their lives. While participating in treatment programs, the men increased their emotional awareness and self-awareness, which was a catalyst for making change. The most important things that the participants learned during their time in the programs that were intrinsic to their process of ending violence in their relationships and remaining violence-free included: increased self-awareness, improved communication skills, and the realization that they need to continue working on themselves. The features of the treatment programs that the participants found the most helpful were the bonds that they formed with co-participants and the safety of the group environment. This research contributes to the body of knowledge regarding what helps abusive men to change their behaviour, for the purpose of helping to increase women’s safety and improve men’s lived realities. Information on what makes it possible for men to develop and maintain non-violent behaviours can assist service providers and community members help men to achieve these goals, and the present study contains several findings and recommendations provided by the participants that speak to this goal.