The need for evidence-based responses to address intimate partner violence perpetration among male substance misusers

Men, suicide, and family and interpersonal violence: A mixed methods exploratory study

Research has shown a link between gender, violence, and suicide. This relationship is complex, and few empirical studies have explored suicide and family and interpersonal violence perpetrated by men. Drawing on a coronial dataset of suicide cases and a mixed methods design, this study integrated a quantitative analysis of 155 suicide cases with a qualitative analysis of medico-legal reports from 32 cases. Findings showed different types and patterns of family and intimate partner violence for men who died by suicide. Men used violence in response to conflict, but also to dominate women. Cumulative, interwoven effects of violence, mental illness, alcohol and other drug use, socioeconomic, and psychosocial circumstances were observed in our study population. However, the use of violence and suicidal behaviour was also a deliberate and calculated response by which some men sought to maintain influence or control over women. Health and criminal justice interventions served as short-term responses to violence, mental illness, and suicidal behaviour, but were of limited assistance.

An investigation of the knowledge of intimate partner violence among clinical staff working with male substance misusers

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a Service Improvement Project aimed at assessing the level of knowledge of intimate partner violence (IPV) of clinical staff working in Community Drug and Alcohol Services (CDAS) in four boroughs of South London.

Design/methodology/approach

Clinical staff (n=90) completed a survey which was based on the Capability Framework (Hughes et al., 2015), developed to describe the key capabilities required to work with men who misuse drug and alcohol and perpetrate IPV. Two separate surveys were prepared for clinical (core) staff (n=76) and for manager (senior) staff (n=14).

Findings

The Capability Framework provided a useful structure for identifying key strengths and gaps in knowledge and skills related to substance use and IPV treatment in frontline CDAS staff. Significant strengths which emerged in the “core staff” survey related to the importance of assessing IPV and being empathic. Gaps related to the confidence in working with these issues and receiving support. Significant strengths which emerged in the “senior staff” survey related to the availability of supervision, information and training on IPV. Gaps related to using the Capability Framework and discussing IPV in supervision.

Originality/value

Findings have important implications for the development of training addressing gaps in current knowledge and skills required when working with IPV in the context of drug and alcohol misuse.

Accounting for intimate partner violence perpetration. A cross-cultural comparison of English and Brazilian male substance users' explanations

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

This paper describes how substance use features in the accounts of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators in treatment in England and Brazil. The aim of the research was to better understand cross cultural constructions of IPV perpetration amongst men in treatment for substance use.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 men in community substance use treatment in Sao Paolo, Brazil and London and the South East of England who had reported IPV perpetration in a questionnaire survey. A thematic, narrative analysis was carried out of men's explanations for IPV perpetration.

FINDINGS

Three types of narratives were distinguished: (i) disputes, centred on substance use, that escalate to IPV perpetration; (ii) IPV perpetration that is explained by uncharacteristic loss of control, as a result of intoxication; and (iii) IPV perpetration provoked by a perceived betrayal, in which substance use is incidental. In all types of accounts hegemonic principles of male and female roles and behaviour provided a context for and make IPV perpetration explicable.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Substance use and IPV are culturally constructed and contextually defined. Understanding the meaning-making of substance using IPV perpetrators has implications for the treatment of both substance abuse and IPV. [Radcliffe P, d'Oliveira AFPL, Lea S, dos Santos Figueiredo W, Gilchrist G. Accounting for intimate partner violence perpetration. A cross-cultural comparison of English and Brazilian male substance users' explanations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:64-71].